Kwame Asare Obeng, widely recognized by his moniker A Plus, has launched a scathing critique against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicators and grassroots supporters, lambasting their recent, seemingly epiphanic acknowledgment of the very issues that plagued their tenure in government and ultimately contributed to their electoral defeat. A Plus, a musician-turned-politician fresh off a parliamentary victory, expressed his astonishment at the NPP’s newfound awareness of these problems, highlighting the stark contrast between their current stance and their previous vehement defense of the same issues during past election cycles. This dramatic shift in perspective, he argues, exposes a deep-seated hypocrisy within the party ranks.
A Plus’s central argument revolves around the sudden realization by NPP members of the factors that led to their downfall. He finds it ironic and deeply troubling that the same individuals who once aggressively dismissed and insulted those who dared to point out these flaws are now publicly acknowledging their existence and even attributing their electoral loss to them. This, he asserts, is a blatant display of hypocrisy and a cynical attempt to rewrite history. His social media post captures the essence of his criticism: “Suddenly, NPP communicators and supporters seem to have realized all the issues that led them into opposition. Ironically, they’re claiming that the very problems they insulted us for pointing out in the past are what caused their downfall.” This statement underscores the dramatic about-face within the NPP, raising questions about their sincerity and commitment to addressing the root causes of their defeat.
Furthermore, A Plus hones in on a particularly egregious example of this hypocrisy, citing the recent pledge by an NPP communicator to assist the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in exposing corruption within the former NPP administration. He points to the inherent contradiction in this offer, questioning how someone could possess knowledge of such wrongdoing for eight years, remain silent, actively attack those who attempted to expose it, and then present themselves as a guide to uncovering the very corruption they helped conceal. This, he argues, is not only hypocritical but also indicative of a deeper moral failing within the party. The communicator’s statement, “I would guide the NDC government to uncover NPP officials who have stolen from the country,” serves as a stark reminder of the complicity of some within the NPP in perpetuating the very issues that ultimately led to their demise.
The timing of A Plus’s comments is significant, coinciding with a growing wave of discontent among the NPP’s grassroots supporters. This disenchantment stems from a multitude of factors, including perceived arrogance within the party leadership, neglect of the very supporters who propelled them to power, and allegations of state capture, where private interests exerted undue influence over government decisions. These grievances, simmering beneath the surface for some time, have now boiled over in the wake of the NPP’s electoral defeat, leading to open criticism of the party’s leadership and a demand for accountability.
The accusations leveled against President Nana Akufo-Addo are particularly pointed, with many within the party holding him responsible for the mismanagement of both the government and the party itself. Critics argue that Akufo-Addo’s leadership style, perceived by some as aloof and disconnected from the concerns of ordinary citizens, contributed to the party’s loss of connection with its base. Furthermore, allegations of corruption and cronyism within the Akufo-Addo administration further eroded public trust and ultimately played a role in the NPP’s electoral setback. The grassroots’ disenchantment with Akufo-Addo’s leadership underscores a deeper crisis within the NPP, raising questions about the party’s future direction and its ability to regain the trust of the electorate.
In essence, A Plus’s criticism, coupled with the growing discontent within the NPP’s grassroots, paints a picture of a party grappling with internal divisions and a crisis of identity in the aftermath of its electoral defeat. The sudden acknowledgment of past mistakes, coupled with the accusations of hypocrisy and the blame directed at the party leadership, points to a deeper need for introspection and reform within the NPP. The party now faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust, not only with the electorate but also within its own ranks, if it hopes to regain its political footing and mount a successful challenge in future elections. The road to recovery will require a genuine commitment to addressing the issues that led to its downfall, a willingness to hold those responsible accountable, and a renewed focus on the needs and concerns of the very people who once formed the bedrock of its support.
