The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana suffered a significant electoral defeat, a loss attributed by a prominent party member to a pervasive culture of arrogance, corruption, fiscal irresponsibility, and blatant favoritism. Michael Kweku Duah, a communicator for the NPP’s Germany branch, articulated these concerns during a radio interview, exposing deep fissures within the party following its loss in the December 7th elections. His critique, delivered from Hamburg where he works with Radio Germany, painted a picture of a party disconnected from the electorate and mired in internal dysfunction. Duah’s accusations represent a significant internal challenge for the NPP as it seeks to understand the reasons for its defeat and chart a path forward.
Duah’s central argument revolves around the alleged transformation of the NPP and the state apparatus into a “family property” under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He claims Akufo-Addo prioritized family members for key positions, regardless of their qualifications, fostering an environment of cronyism that ultimately undermined the government’s effectiveness and eroded public trust. This practice, Duah argues, contrasts sharply with the meritocratic systems prevalent in countries like Germany, highlighting the perceived ethical failings of the former administration. He further alleges that Akufo-Addo and his close circle dismissed concerns raised by party members, including those from the German branch, about the government’s performance, particularly during its second term. This disregard for internal dissent, according to Duah, contributed to the party’s downfall.
The accusations of financial mismanagement form another pillar of Duah’s critique. He points to Akufo-Addo’s frequent international travels, which he characterizes as extravagant and unproductive, contrasting them with the neglect of pressing domestic issues, particularly the needs of the Ghanaian youth. This perceived misallocation of resources, Duah contends, further alienated the electorate and contributed to the party’s electoral defeat. The picture painted by Duah is one of a government prioritizing personal interests and lavish spending over the welfare of its citizens and the long-term economic health of the nation. This perceived disconnect between the ruling elite and the struggles of ordinary Ghanaians likely fueled public discontent and contributed to the NPP’s loss at the polls.
Duah also criticizes Akufo-Addo’s leadership style, characterizing it as a “one-man show” that discouraged dissent and fostered a culture of sycophancy. He cites an incident where the former president visited Germany but failed to engage with the Ghanaian diaspora, illustrating what Duah sees as a lack of concern for the needs and opinions of Ghanaians abroad. This aloofness, he argues, further damaged the party’s image and contributed to its declining popularity. The concentration of power in the hands of a select few, according to Duah, created a system where critical voices were silenced and alternative perspectives were ignored. This, he believes, ultimately led to strategic errors and a disconnect from the realities on the ground.
The accusations of arrogance and a disregard for dissenting voices further reinforce Duah’s narrative of a party out of touch with its base. He questions the future of a party whose leadership is allegedly unwilling to acknowledge its shortcomings and embrace internal reform. This resistance to self-reflection, he suggests, will only perpetuate the cycle of decline and further alienate potential supporters. Duah’s call for the removal of 80% of the “dictators” within the party highlights the depth of his disillusionment and the urgency he feels for radical change. He believes that without a significant overhaul of the party’s leadership and a genuine commitment to internal reform, the NPP risks further electoral losses and a prolonged period in opposition.
Duah’s scathing assessment of the NPP’s defeat leaves little room for ambiguity. He asserts that the party deserved to lose, arguing that the opposition NDC’s victory was not a testament to their own strengths, but rather a direct consequence of the NPP’s failings. He attributes the loss to the Ghanaian people’s rejection of what he describes as the “dictatorship, arrogance, and corruption” that permeated the party. His concluding remarks emphasize the need for a radical transformation within the NPP, advocating for a purging of the existing leadership and a fundamental shift in the party’s culture and values. This, he believes, is the only way for the NPP to regain the trust of the electorate and position itself for future electoral success.
Duah’s interview provides a stark and potentially controversial perspective on the factors that contributed to the NPP’s electoral defeat. While his views may not represent the entire party’s perspective, they offer valuable insights into the internal divisions and challenges that the NPP must address if it hopes to regain its footing in the political landscape. His outspoken criticism underscores the urgent need for introspection and reform within the party, a process that will likely be fraught with internal debate and resistance. Whether the NPP can heed Duah’s warnings and embark on a path of genuine transformation remains to be seen. The future of the party hinges on its ability to confront these difficult questions and address the deep-seated issues that led to its recent downfall.
