The New Patriotic Party (NPP) experienced a crushing defeat in the 2024 Ghanaian general elections, failing to secure the much-touted “break the eight” and losing both the presidency and a significant parliamentary majority to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). John Dramani Mahama returned to power with a decisive victory, garnering over six million votes and securing over 180 parliamentary seats, signifying a substantial shift in the political landscape. This resounding defeat has prompted intense post-election analysis within the NPP, with some prominent voices attributing a significant portion of the blame to the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a governance analyst and lecturer at the University of Ghana, has been particularly vocal in his assessment, placing the onus of the NPP’s electoral failure squarely on the shoulders of the former President. He argues that Akufo-Addo’s leadership style and specific decisions contributed significantly to the party’s downfall. Dr. Otchere-Ankrah estimates that approximately 90% of the NPP’s defeat can be attributed to Akufo-Addo’s actions and overall posture during his tenure. This stark assessment underscores the deep divisions and internal critiques emerging within the NPP as they grapple with the implications of their electoral setback.
One of the key criticisms leveled against Akufo-Addo is his staunch resistance to reshuffling his cabinet ministers, even in the face of growing public discontent and calls for change from within the party ranks. This perceived inflexibility created an impression of stagnation and a lack of responsiveness to public concerns. Furthermore, the former President’s unwavering support for the then-Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, despite widespread criticism of his handling of the economy, further fueled public dissatisfaction. Ofori-Atta’s economic policies were seen by many as contributing to the country’s economic challenges, and Akufo-Addo’s steadfast defense of him alienated a significant segment of the electorate.
These two factors, the refusal to reshuffle the cabinet and the unwavering support for Ofori-Atta, are highlighted by Dr. Otchere-Ankrah as pivotal missteps that contributed significantly to the NPP’s loss. He argues that these decisions demonstrated a disconnect between the leadership and the concerns of the populace, ultimately eroding public trust and confidence in the NPP government. The former President’s perceived intransigence was interpreted by many as a sign of disregard for public opinion, further exacerbating the already growing dissatisfaction within the electorate.
Dr. Otchere-Ankrah’s analysis underscores the importance of accountability and adaptability in political leadership. His critique suggests that a leader’s ability to respond to changing circumstances and acknowledge public sentiment is crucial for maintaining public trust and electoral success. The NPP’s failure to adapt to the evolving political landscape and address public concerns ultimately contributed to their resounding defeat. This analysis provides valuable insights into the factors that led to the NPP’s loss and serves as a cautionary tale for political leaders.
In the wake of this significant electoral defeat, Dr. Otchere-Ankrah urges the NPP to conduct a thorough and honest post-election evaluation. He advises the party to carefully examine the factors that contributed to their loss, including the leadership decisions and overall political strategy. This process of self-reflection is essential for the NPP to rebuild and regain the trust of the electorate. By addressing the underlying issues that led to their defeat, the party can begin to chart a new course and position themselves for future electoral success. The 2024 election serves as a critical learning experience for the NPP, highlighting the importance of responsiveness, adaptability, and public accountability in the political arena.
