The New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s defeat in the 2024 general elections has spurred a wave of introspection and analysis, with a recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics shedding light on the perceived reasons behind the party’s loss. Contrary to popular narratives that attributed the defeat to the controversial statements of Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, the poll reveals a different picture, placing the primary responsibility on the shoulders of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO). The poll indicates that 37% of respondents hold Dr. Bawumia accountable for the NPP’s electoral setback, while 33% blame Dr. Opoku Prempeh. In a stark contrast, only a mere 9% of respondents link the party’s failure to Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, suggesting that his public pronouncements, though perhaps controversial, did not significantly impact the overall electoral outcome. This data challenges the prevailing narrative and redirects the focus towards the leadership of the NPP’s campaign.
The poll further expands the scope of responsibility to encompass other key figures within the NPP. A significant 68% of respondents hold former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo accountable, while 40% point fingers at Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta for contributing to the party’s downfall. This broader attribution of responsibility suggests a widespread perception of collective failure within the party’s leadership, rather than isolating the blame on a single individual. The poll’s findings underscore the need for the NPP to engage in a thorough self-assessment and identify the systemic issues that contributed to their electoral defeat. It hints at a potential disconnect between the party’s leadership and the electorate, requiring a renewed focus on understanding and addressing the concerns of the Ghanaian people.
Echoing the poll’s findings, Mr. Alex Kwaku Tetteh, President of Citizen Eye Ghana, emphasizes the accountability of Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh. He argues that their leadership positions within the party and central roles in the campaign necessitate their acceptance of responsibility for the election outcome. This reinforces the notion that leadership accountability is crucial for rebuilding trust and moving forward. Mr. Tetteh’s assertion also underlines the importance of internal cohesion and strategic direction within the NPP. He contends that the party’s internal challenges played a crucial role in their defeat, advocating for a shift in leadership style and a renewed focus on grassroots engagement.
Mr. Tetteh further advocates for a fundamental change in the type of leadership within the NPP. He points out that the party has historically been led by individuals with backgrounds in law or medicine, suggesting that this pattern may have contributed to the party’s current predicament. He proposes a shift towards a business-oriented leadership, arguing that individuals with a strong business acumen are better equipped to address the economic challenges facing Ghana. This perspective introduces a novel dimension to the post-election analysis, suggesting that the NPP’s leadership choices may require a more radical reassessment beyond simply changing individuals within the existing framework. It calls for a broader consideration of the skills and experience necessary to effectively lead the party and resonate with the electorate.
In this context, Mr. Tetteh highlights Hon. Kennedy Agyapong as a potential candidate embodying the desired leadership qualities. He praises Mr. Agyapong’s dedication to both the NPP and the country, emphasizing his proactive approach to problem-solving and his focus on economic development. This endorsement, despite the poll results downplaying Mr. Agyapong’s role in the electoral defeat, suggests that his perceived strengths in addressing economic issues and his commitment to action resonate with some within the party. Mr. Tetteh’s advocacy for Mr. Agyapong underscores a potential shift in the party’s internal dynamics and a search for alternative leadership approaches.
Ultimately, Mr. Tetteh calls for unity within the NPP and emphasizes the importance of rebuilding strong grassroots support for the 2028 general election. He warns that the current performance of the NDC government under President John Mahama poses a significant threat to the NPP’s future prospects. He stresses that unless the NPP undertakes serious reforms and reconnects with its base, the party risks a prolonged period in opposition. This call for unity and grassroots engagement highlights the critical need for the NPP to learn from its past mistakes and adopt a more strategic and inclusive approach to future elections. It suggests that the party’s long-term success hinges on its ability to rebuild trust, address internal divisions, and effectively respond to the evolving needs and concerns of the Ghanaian electorate.
