The internal dynamics of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana have become a subject of increasing scrutiny, particularly regarding the perceived imbalance in the attribution of successes and failures within the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration. Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, President and Founder of the UP Tradition Institute, has voiced concerns over what he views as a manipulated narrative that disproportionately credits Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with achievements while assigning blame for shortcomings solely to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his family. This skewed portrayal, according to Dr. Opoku, undermines the credibility of the NPP and risks eroding public trust in the party.
Dr. Opoku’s critique centers on the observation that public discourse consistently links policy successes to Dr. Bawumia, while policy failures are attributed to President Akufo-Addo and his relatives. This narrative, he argues, creates a false dichotomy that shields the Vice President from accountability while unfairly burdening the President with the entirety of the administration’s shortcomings. This selective allocation of credit and blame not only distorts the reality of shared governance but also fosters an environment where constructive criticism is stifled, potentially hindering the party’s ability to address its weaknesses and improve its performance.
The implications of this skewed narrative extend beyond mere image management. Dr. Opoku warns that the persistent propagation of such narratives could severely damage the NPP’s reputation and weaken its connection with the electorate. By creating an impression of unequal responsibility within the administration, the narrative fosters distrust and raises questions about transparency and accountability within the party. This, in turn, could alienate voters who perceive the narrative as an attempt to manipulate public perception and evade responsibility for policy failures.
Moreover, Dr. Opoku highlights the chilling effect this narrative has on open discussion within the party. He points to the existence of what he terms the “10 sins,” a metaphorical set of accusations leveled against anyone who dares to question the prevailing narrative. This atmosphere of intimidation discourages critical analysis and prevents honest assessments of the government’s performance. The suppression of dissent within the party not only hinders internal reform but also undermines democratic principles and weakens the party’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The concerns raised by Dr. Opoku underscore a broader debate within the NPP regarding leadership accountability, communication strategies, and the balance of recognition between the President and the Vice President. As the party prepares for future elections, these internal tensions become increasingly significant. The perceived imbalance in credit and blame could create factions within the party, weaken unity, and ultimately impact electoral performance. Addressing these concerns and fostering a more balanced and transparent approach to communication will be crucial for the NPP’s long-term success.
In conclusion, the narrative surrounding the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, as described by Dr. Opoku, presents a complex challenge for the NPP. The perceived unequal distribution of credit and blame not only distorts public perception but also stifles internal debate and threatens to erode public trust in the party. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to promote a more balanced and transparent approach to communication, fostering accountability at all levels of leadership and encouraging open dialogue within the party. Failure to do so could have significant consequences for the NPP’s future electoral prospects and its ability to effectively govern.
