The New Patriotic Party (NPP), grappling with the aftermath of its electoral defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, has initiated a comprehensive review process by establishing a 12-member Probe Committee. This committee, chaired by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, is tasked with conducting a thorough post-mortem examination of the factors that contributed to the party’s loss. The NPP’s selection of Prof. Oquaye underscores the significance of this undertaking, highlighting his extensive institutional knowledge and political experience as crucial assets in leading this critical evaluation. The committee’s mandate encompasses a broad spectrum of inquiry, including a comprehensive assessment of the party’s constitution, with particular emphasis on its electoral processes, and a critical review of the roles and responsibilities of party officers.
The NPP’s strategic approach to this review involves a multi-layered investigation. A designated sub-committee, acting as a fact-finding team, will be deployed across all 276 constituencies to gather on-the-ground data and perspectives on the causes of the party’s defeat. This sub-committee, comprising members such as Dr. Joseph Agyapong Darmoe, Lawyer Seidu Nasigiri, and Abdulai Abanga, will play a vital role in ensuring the comprehensive and representative nature of the information gathered. This data collection process will form the bedrock of the main committee’s final report, providing a robust evidence base for the party’s subsequent reflection, rebuilding, and restructuring efforts.
The Probe Committee’s formation, officially announced at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, signifies the NPP’s commitment to a thorough and transparent examination of its electoral performance. The committee is mandated to submit a comprehensive report within three months, a timeline that reflects the urgency and importance of this undertaking. This report will serve as a foundational document, guiding the party’s strategic direction and informing its efforts to regain electoral success. The NPP emphasizes its confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a comprehensive and objective analysis, highlighting the integrity and expertise of its members.
The scope of the Probe Committee’s investigation extends beyond simply identifying the immediate causes of the 2024 electoral defeat. It also encompasses a critical review of the party’s constitutional framework, particularly focusing on the effectiveness and fairness of its internal electoral processes, including the electoral college and polling station elections. This review is intended to identify any structural weaknesses or deficiencies that may have contributed to the party’s performance and to recommend necessary reforms to strengthen internal democracy and improve electoral competitiveness. The committee’s examination of the roles of party officers will further enhance this internal assessment, ensuring that the party’s organizational structure and leadership functions are aligned with its strategic goals.
The NPP leadership has underscored the importance of cooperation and collaboration in this review process. The party has called upon all stakeholders, including party members, officials, and supporters, to actively engage with the Review Committee and provide the necessary support and assistance. This appeal reflects the party’s recognition that a comprehensive and effective review requires the collective input and participation of all its constituents. The party’s emphasis on transparency and inclusivity in this process signals its commitment to learning from the 2024 electoral setback and emerging stronger and more united.
In essence, the NPP’s establishment of the 2024 Probe Committee marks a crucial step in its post-election analysis and strategic planning. By entrusting this critical task to a diverse and experienced team led by Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, the party has demonstrated its resolve to conduct a thorough and objective assessment of its performance. The committee’s comprehensive mandate, encompassing both an in-depth analysis of the 2024 election results and a critical review of the party’s constitutional framework and internal processes, sets the stage for a meaningful and impactful process of reflection, rebuilding, and restructuring. The success of this endeavor will depend not only on the diligence and expertise of the committee members but also on the active participation and cooperation of all NPP stakeholders in this crucial period of introspection and renewal.
