The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 parliamentary candidate for Zebilla, Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, provided a candid post-mortem of the party’s electoral defeat, attributing it to a confluence of factors, including governance failures, grassroots disconnect, and allegations of corruption, specifically the contentious “jobs-for-sale” scandal. His critique, delivered on A1 Radio, a Bolgatanga-based station, offers a valuable introspection into the factors that eroded public trust and ultimately led to the NPP’s loss of power. Dr. Krugu’s analysis serves as a cautionary tale for political parties across the spectrum, underscoring the importance of responsive governance, transparency, and genuine engagement with the electorate.
Dr. Krugu, who also holds the position of outgoing Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pinpointed several key policy missteps that contributed to the NPP’s downfall. He highlighted the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) as a prime example of a policy that was widely unpopular with the Ghanaian public, yet the government insisted on implementing it, disregarding public sentiment. This, according to Dr. Krugu, engendered widespread dissatisfaction and contributed to a sense of disconnect between the government and the governed. He further criticized the party’s detachment from its grassroots base, arguing that this neglect alienated loyal supporters and eroded the party’s foundation. The alienation, he argued, bred resentment and a sense of betrayal among those who had previously been the party’s most ardent supporters.
Adding to the litany of failures, Dr. Krugu condemned the alleged practice of selling government jobs, a practice that reportedly required aspiring public servants to pay exorbitant bribes to secure positions. He expressed his profound dismay at these allegations, emphasizing the damaging impact of such practices on both the morale of the public sector and the public’s perception of the government. He recounted anecdotal evidence of individuals being forced to sell family assets to raise the exorbitant sums demanded for government jobs, highlighting the devastating human cost of this alleged corruption. He specifically referenced the disheartening stories of aspiring teachers being forced to pay significant sums simply for the opportunity to serve their communities.
Dr. Krugu openly acknowledged the corrosive effect of these allegations on the party’s image and reputation. While maintaining his personal innocence in these activities, he stressed the collective responsibility of the party leadership for the governance failures that created the environment for such practices to flourish. He emphasized that the responsibility for addressing these failings rests squarely with the party leadership, regardless of individual involvement. He called for a thorough examination of the party’s internal structures and processes to identify and eradicate the root causes of these issues.
Beyond the internal issues of governance and alleged corruption, Dr. Krugu also acknowledged the impact of external factors, such as the longstanding tensions in areas like Bawku, on the electoral outcome. These simmering conflicts, he noted, further fueled voter dissatisfaction and created a sense of instability that contributed to the NPP’s loss of support. He admitted that the party’s inability to effectively address these local concerns further alienated voters and complicated the party’s efforts to secure victory. The failure to address these local concerns, coupled with the broader governance failures, painted a picture of a party detached from the realities faced by its constituents.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Krugu offered a sobering reflection on the NPP’s defeat, emphasizing the crucial importance of governance that prioritizes the needs of the people above political expediency. He presented his critique not just as an internal party matter but as a broader lesson for all political actors in Ghana. He specifically addressed the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them to learn from the NPP’s mistakes and prioritize serving the nation effectively. He underscored the importance of using the opportunity to govern for the betterment of the country rather than simply focusing on maintaining power. His message serves as a potent reminder that political power is a trust bestowed by the people and should be exercised with responsibility and accountability.
His insightful commentary provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex factors that contributed to the NPP’s electoral defeat. It extends beyond mere political analysis and serves as a call to action for all political parties to prioritize ethical governance, transparency, and genuine engagement with their constituents. It underscores the enduring principle that successful governance is ultimately about serving the people and earning their trust, not simply winning elections. His candid assessment offers a roadmap for political renewal and a reminder that the true measure of political success lies in the well-being of the citizens a government serves.
