Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong’s analysis of the recent Global Info Analytics National Tracking Poll paints a concerning picture for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggesting a potential trajectory towards political irrelevance by 2028 if the party fails to recalibrate its strategy. The poll results, according to Dr. Sarpong, reveal a significant shift in public perception, with a growing majority of voters now expressing confidence in the direction of the country, despite persistent economic challenges. This surge in positive sentiment, a stark contrast to previous polling data, underscores the urgency for the NPP to critically examine its current approach and adapt to the evolving political landscape.
A key highlight of the poll is the substantial increase in the number of voters who believe Ghana is on the right track, jumping from 32 percent in October 2024 to an impressive 62 percent. This shift in public opinion coincides with a surge in President Mahama’s approval rating, which now stands at a robust 66 percent. This widespread support for the president transcends traditional party lines, extending across various demographics and regions, with the exception of the Ashanti Region, which remains a stronghold of dissenting opinion. The confluence of these factors – increasing optimism about the country’s trajectory and strong presidential approval – presents a formidable challenge for the NPP, indicating a potential erosion of the party’s support base.
Further compounding the NPP’s predicament are declining leadership ratings, despite the persistence of inflation and unemployment as primary concerns for voters. This paradox suggests a disconnect between public perception of the NPP’s leadership and the prevailing economic realities. While citizens continue to grapple with economic anxieties, they appear to be increasingly placing their faith in the current administration, a trend that raises serious questions about the NPP’s ability to effectively capitalize on these economic concerns to galvanize support. Dr. Sarpong characterizes the NPP’s decline as “shocking,” highlighting the rapid erosion of support for a party once considered the natural alternative to the ruling government.
Dr. Sarpong’s warning against dismissing these poll results as the NPP has allegedly done in the past underscores the gravity of the situation. He cautions that ignoring these indicators could lead to further decline, urging the party to learn from its past mistakes and engage with the data to understand the underlying factors driving this shift in public sentiment. The poll results, he argues, offer valuable insights into the electorate’s evolving priorities and concerns, providing a roadmap for the NPP to reconnect with voters and regain lost ground. Repeating past errors of dismissing unfavorable polling data, according to Dr. Sarpong, would be detrimental to the party’s long-term prospects.
The poll also identifies public anger over galamsey, or illegal mining, as a significant vulnerability for the current government. This persistent issue continues to resonate with the electorate, highlighting the potential for public backlash if decisive action is not taken to address this environmental and economic concern. Dr. Sarpong emphasizes the importance of swift and effective intervention to mitigate the negative consequences of galamsey and prevent further erosion of public trust. This issue represents an opportunity for the NPP to demonstrate its commitment to environmental protection and economic sustainability, potentially reclaiming some of the lost ground by championing this critical concern.
In conclusion, the Global Info Analytics National Tracking Poll presents a stark warning for the New Patriotic Party. The data reveals a growing public confidence in the current administration, reflected in increased optimism about the country’s direction and strong presidential approval ratings. Concurrently, the NPP is experiencing a decline in support and leadership ratings, a trend that could lead to political marginalization if not addressed. Dr. Sarpong’s analysis underscores the urgency for the NPP to re-evaluate its strategy, learn from past mistakes, and engage with the concerns of the electorate, including the pressing issue of galamsey. Failure to adapt to the evolving political landscape and address public anxieties could jeopardize the NPP’s future prospects and solidify the current administration’s position.
