The resounding defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections was a complex event shaped by a confluence of factors, primarily relating to economic hardship and perceived government mismanagement. While controversies like the SSNIT-Rock City hotel partnership undoubtedly contributed to the overall narrative surrounding the NPP’s governance, attributing the electoral loss primarily to this single issue is a gross oversimplification. A more nuanced analysis points to a range of economic challenges that eroded public trust and ultimately swayed voters towards the opposition. These challenges, including the precipitous depreciation of the cedi, persistent inflation, the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), and the escalating cost of living, painted a picture of economic instability and hardship that resonated deeply with the electorate.
Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia himself acknowledged the key factors contributing to the NPP’s defeat. His assessment highlighted the unpopularity of the E-Levy, the detrimental impact of the DDEP on ordinary citizens, the rising cost of fuel and essential goods, unpaid salaries of NABCO trainees and school feeding caterers, the contentious $58 million National Cathedral project, and perceptions of arrogance within the government. These internal acknowledgements underscore the severity of the economic and political missteps that plagued the NPP’s final term and ultimately led to their downfall. The Rock City deal, while a source of controversy, pales in comparison to the broader economic woes that dominated the political landscape.
Beyond Bawumia’s assessment, several other factors contributed to the NPP’s declining popularity. The cedi’s dramatic depreciation against the dollar, from GHS4 to GHS17, eroded purchasing power and fueled economic anxiety. High interest rates further constrained businesses and individuals, while the persistence of illegal mining activities, known as “galamsey,” undermined environmental protection efforts and fueled public discontent. Strained relations with the media fostered an environment of distrust and limited the government’s ability to effectively communicate its policies and achievements. Furthermore, unfulfilled infrastructure promises, particularly in the Ashanti Region, a traditional NPP stronghold, further eroded their support base.
The SSNIT-Rock City hotel partnership, while controversial, should be viewed within the context of established legal frameworks and past practices. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are a legitimate and often beneficial mechanism for leveraging private sector expertise and investment in public projects. The Public-Private Partnership Act, 2020 (Act 1039), provides a legal framework for such arrangements, ensuring transparency and accountability. SSNIT, in its pursuit of a partner to manage its hotels, followed due process by advertising internationally and conducting a competitive tender process. Rock City emerged as the preferred bidder after rigorous technical and financial evaluations, demonstrating its suitability for the partnership.
The subsequent withdrawal of Rock City from the deal, following a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), was arguably influenced by politically motivated attacks against Bryan Acheampong, the owner of Rock City and a prominent NPP figure. The politicization of the deal, rather than the deal itself, contributed to the controversy. It is worth noting that previous hotel partnerships involving foreign investors, such as the redevelopment of the Ambassador Hotel by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in 2006 and GLAHCO’s takeover of Kumasi City and Accra City Hotels in 2008, did not attract similar levels of scrutiny. Even during the Rawlings era, the sale of over 60 state enterprises to private entities proceeded without comparable controversy. This historical context raises questions about the disproportionate focus on the Rock City deal and suggests a potential element of political targeting.
In conclusion, the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat stemmed from a multitude of factors, primarily rooted in economic mismanagement and policy failures. The confluence of economic hardship, including the depreciating cedi, persistent inflation, the unpopular DDEP, and the rising cost of living, created a climate of discontent that ultimately swayed voters. While the SSNIT-Rock City hotel partnership generated controversy, it was a minor player in the larger narrative of economic hardship and perceived government mismanagement. Attributing the NPP’s defeat solely to this single issue overlooks the broader economic and political context that shaped the electoral outcome. Bryan Acheampong’s intention to invest in SSNIT hotels through a legally established PPP framework should not be scapegoated for the party’s broader failings. The NPP’s defeat was a culmination of economic mismanagement, policy missteps, and a loss of public trust, factors that far outweigh the impact of the Rock City partnership.
