The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is undertaking a comprehensive review of its performance in the 2024 general elections, where they lost both the presidency and parliamentary majority to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). A dedicated committee, chaired by Aaron Mike Oquaye, has been tasked with dissecting the factors that contributed to the NPP’s defeat and formulating recommendations for a more robust campaign strategy in the upcoming 2028 elections. This initiative mirrors a similar post-election review conducted after the 2020 elections, led by Yaw Osafo-Marfo, demonstrating the party’s commitment to continuous improvement and learning from both victories and setbacks. The current committee’s work is expected to conclude by the end of March 2025, providing the party with ample time to implement the suggested changes and prepare for the next electoral cycle.
Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organiser of the NPP, confirmed the timeline for the committee’s report and emphasized its significance in the party’s rebuilding process. He highlighted the extensive scope of the committee’s investigation, which included consultations with national executives and visits to all 16 regions and 276 constituencies across the country. This thorough approach aims to gather diverse perspectives and paint a comprehensive picture of the electoral landscape, identifying both strengths and weaknesses in the NPP’s campaign. The committee’s findings will serve as a roadmap for the party’s revitalization efforts, informing their approach to organization, messaging, and voter engagement in future elections.
The NPP’s proactive approach to analyzing its electoral performance demonstrates a commitment to understanding the evolving political dynamics and adapting its strategies accordingly. By examining the factors that contributed to their defeat in 2024 – including the loss of the presidency by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to John Dramani Mahama, and the shift in parliamentary majority – the NPP hopes to identify areas for improvement and develop a more effective approach for future campaigns. The comprehensive nature of the review, encompassing input from various stakeholders across the country, underscores the party’s desire to build a stronger, more responsive organization capable of regaining the trust and support of the electorate.
The 2024 election results represent a significant setback for the NPP, requiring a period of introspection and strategic recalibration. The Oquaye Committee’s mandate is to facilitate this process by providing a detailed analysis of the party’s performance, identifying areas where they fell short, and proposing actionable recommendations for improvement. The scope of the review, extending to all corners of the country, suggests a commitment to understanding the diverse perspectives and concerns of voters, thereby informing a more targeted and effective campaign approach in the future. The committee’s findings will likely focus on key aspects of the campaign, including messaging, voter mobilization, resource allocation, and candidate selection, to identify areas where adjustments are needed to enhance the party’s competitiveness going forward.
The NPP’s decision to conduct a thorough review after both the 2020 and 2024 elections reflects a culture of self-assessment and a dedication to continuous improvement within the party. By systematically examining their performance and identifying areas for growth, the NPP aims to build a more resilient and adaptable organization capable of navigating the complexities of the political landscape. The insights gained from these reviews will not only inform their strategy for the 2028 elections but also contribute to the party’s long-term development and its ability to effectively represent the interests of its constituents. The willingness to critically examine its own performance positions the NPP to learn from both successes and failures, ultimately strengthening the party’s foundation and enhancing its ability to connect with voters.
The outcome of the Oquaye Committee’s review is eagerly awaited by party members and political observers alike. The report’s recommendations will likely shape the NPP’s direction in the coming years, influencing key decisions regarding leadership, policy platforms, and campaign strategies. The party’s ability to effectively implement these recommendations and regain the support lost in the 2024 elections will be a crucial test of its resilience and adaptability. The success of the NPP’s rebuilding efforts will depend on its capacity to address the issues identified in the review, present a compelling vision for the future, and effectively communicate its message to the electorate. The 2028 elections will serve as a critical benchmark for assessing the party’s progress and its ability to recapture its position as a dominant force in Ghanaian politics.
