The selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, affectionately known as Napo, as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 general election was a carefully considered decision, according to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. The NPP embarked on a thorough assessment of potential candidates across all regions of Ghana before ultimately choosing Napo, who hailed from the party’s stronghold in the Ashanti Region. This strategic decision aimed to solidify the party’s support base in the region and maximize its chances of electoral success. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu himself played a pivotal role in Napo’s nomination, personally recommending the then Energy Minister despite the whispers suggesting he, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, might have been a contender for the position.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s rationale for supporting Napo stemmed from a belief in the latter’s suitability as a potential successor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu acknowledged his own extensive parliamentary experience, having served as Minority Leader, Majority Leader, Chief Whip, and Deputy Leader, arguing that his qualifications could even extend to the presidency. However, he emphasized the importance of timing and succession planning. He envisioned Napo as someone who could seamlessly take the reins from Bawumia, ensuring continuity and stability within the party. This strategic foresight, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu believed, was crucial for the NPP’s long-term success.
The selection of a vice-presidential candidate from the Ashanti Region was a calculated move to strengthen the NPP’s hold on its traditional support base. The Ashanti Region has historically been a crucial voting bloc for the party, and the NPP aimed to leverage this regional strength in the 2024 elections. However, the decision to nominate Napo was not without controversy. His perceived arrogance and certain controversial comments and public postures drew criticism from various quarters, with some questioning his suitability for the role of Vice President. These dissenting voices raised concerns about Napo’s potential impact on the party’s image and electoral prospects.
Despite the strategic calculations and the selection of a candidate from its stronghold, the NPP faced a resounding defeat in the December 7th election. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by John Dramani Mahama, secured a decisive victory, garnering 56.42% of the votes compared to the NPP’s 41.75%. This significant margin of victory reflected a shift in the political landscape and a decline in the NPP’s popularity. The NDC’s triumph also extended to the parliamentary elections, where they secured an overwhelming majority of 183 seats, relegating the NPP to a minority position with only 88 seats. This outcome marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the two parties, with the NPP losing its parliamentary majority.
The election results demonstrated that the NPP’s strategic move of selecting a vice-presidential candidate from the Ashanti Region did not yield the desired outcome. While consolidating its base in the Ashanti Region was a logical objective, it proved insufficient to counter the broader national swing towards the NDC. The controversy surrounding Napo’s nomination may have also contributed to the party’s defeat, alienating some voters and raising questions about the NPP’s judgment. The magnitude of the NDC’s victory signaled a clear mandate from the electorate and underscored the need for the NPP to re-evaluate its strategies and address the concerns that led to its decline in support.
The 2024 election results served as a stark reminder of the dynamic nature of politics and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. The NPP’s strategy, while seemingly sound on paper, failed to resonate with the electorate at large. Factors beyond regional considerations, such as national economic conditions, public perceptions of governance, and the candidates’ appeal, likely played a more significant role in shaping the outcome. The NPP’s loss of both the presidency and the parliamentary majority necessitates a period of introspection and strategic recalibration as it prepares for future elections. The party will need to analyze the factors that contributed to its defeat, address internal divisions, and develop a more compelling vision to regain the trust and support of the Ghanaian electorate.
