The Downfall of Power: Akufo-Addo’s Centralization and the NPP’s Election Defeat
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) suffered a significant defeat in the 2024 general elections, a loss that has prompted internal reflection and analysis within the party ranks. Eric Nartey Yeboah, the Greater Accra Regional Second Vice Chairman of the NPP, attributes this defeat to the centralization of power under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his close circle. This concentration of authority, according to Yeboah, effectively sidelined the party’s established leadership and ultimately contributed to their electoral downfall. He argues that Akufo-Addo and his inner circle operated as though the party played a negligible role in their ascension to power, disregarding the very structures that propelled them to office. This created a disconnect between the presidency and the party, alienating key figures and undermining the collaborative spirit essential for electoral success.
Central to Yeboah’s critique is the process of appointments made during Akufo-Addo’s tenure. He contends that many appointees exhibited a sense of entitlement and arrogance, prioritizing their loyalty to the appointing authority over their commitment to the party’s overall goals. This perceived lack of respect for the party structure eroded internal cohesion and fostered resentment among loyal party members who felt overlooked and undervalued. Furthermore, Yeboah points to specific appointments, such as that of Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), as emblematic of this problematic trend. Danquah, allegedly a relative of Akufo-Addo’s Executive Secretary, is said to have promptly returned to London after the NPP’s electoral defeat, a move that Yeboah interprets as a clear indication of a lack of genuine commitment to the party’s cause. These appointees, according to Yeboah, benefited from their proximity to power without demonstrating a corresponding dedication to the party’s well-being.
Yeboah’s criticism extends to the perceived lack of adherence to party principles in the appointment process. He cites the example of Ernest Owusu Bempah’s appointment as Deputy Director of Communications as a case in point, arguing that such an appointment would not have occurred had proper party procedures and established principles been followed. This disregard for established norms, in Yeboah’s view, contributed to a sense of disillusionment within the party and weakened its ability to present a united front to the electorate. He emphasizes that the party leadership, now under Stephen Ntim, must prioritize the strengthening of party structures and the re-establishment of core values to regain lost ground and prepare for the 2028 elections.
Yeboah’s analysis underscores a fundamental tension between the authority of the presidency and the vital role of the party machinery in achieving electoral success. By concentrating power within a select group, Akufo-Addo’s administration, according to Yeboah, inadvertently created a rift within the NPP, undermining the party’s ability to mobilize its base and connect with the broader electorate. The perception that loyalty to the president superseded commitment to the party’s values and structures ultimately contributed to a sense of disenfranchisement among party loyalists. This, coupled with the perceived arrogance of some appointees, further alienated key segments of the population, ultimately contributing to the NPP’s electoral defeat.
Looking ahead, Yeboah emphasizes the importance of restoring the party’s internal strength and reclaiming its core values. He calls for a renewed focus on party structures and a clear commitment to prioritizing the interests of the party over individual ambitions. This, he believes, is crucial for rebuilding trust among party members, regaining the confidence of the electorate, and positioning the NPP for success in future elections. He urges party supporters to distance themselves from appointees who are found to have acted against the party’s interests, emphasizing that individual actions should not be conflated with the collective goals and values of the NPP. This call for accountability serves as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and restoring the party’s integrity.
In essence, Yeboah’s critique serves as a stark reminder of the importance of internal cohesion and adherence to established principles within a political party. The centralization of power, while potentially efficient in the short term, can ultimately lead to a disconnect between the leadership and the broader party base, undermining the very foundations of electoral success. The NPP’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for a balance between presidential authority and the vital role of party structures in maintaining a strong and vibrant political organization. The challenge for the NPP moving forward is to learn from this experience and rebuild a stronger, more inclusive party that prioritizes its core values and works collaboratively to achieve its electoral goals.
