The recent Akwatia by-election, necessitated by the untimely demise of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, resulted in a victory for the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo. This outcome, according to former Ledzokuku MP Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, was not unexpected. He attributes the NPP’s loss to the lingering impact of public dissatisfaction with certain aspects of their governance, despite their achievements in areas like infrastructure and human development. The electorate, he argues, has not yet forgotten the perceived shortcomings of the NPP administration, even though only seven months have passed since the previous MP’s election. This short timeframe, Dr. Okoe Boye suggests, isn’t sufficient for the public to move past their grievances.
Dr. Okoe Boye draws a parallel with the 2016 election, highlighting the clear recollection of perceived NDC shortcomings at that time. However, he contends that the same level of recall regarding the NDC’s performance wouldn’t exist in 2023 or 2024. This, he explains, is due to the natural fading of negative memories over time, coupled with the allure of new promises that offer hope for the future. Essentially, the negativity associated with past governance fades, while the positivity of future promises takes precedence in the minds of voters. Therefore, the NPP’s recent track record, even with its positive aspects, is still fresh in the public’s consciousness and influences their voting decisions.
The former Health Minister acknowledges that while not everything the NPP did was negative, significant public discontent with certain policies persists. He concedes that dismissing the NPP’s entire tenure as a failure would be a politically biased assessment, but acknowledges the reality of lingering public resentment towards the party. This dissatisfaction, he implies, played a crucial role in the Akwatia by-election outcome, as voters opted for the hope presented by the NDC rather than revisiting the NPP’s recent past.
Furthermore, Dr. Okoe Boye recognizes the NDC’s resurgence as a potent political force. This renewed strength, he believes, stems from the electorate’s perception that the NDC’s promises offer a more hopeful future compared to a continuation of the NPP’s trajectory. This perception shift, combined with the lingering negativity associated with certain NPP policies, creates a challenging political landscape for the party. The by-election results, therefore, serve as a clear indicator of the public’s current sentiment and the need for the NPP to address these concerns effectively.
The analysis by Dr. Okoe Boye underscores the complexities of voter behavior and the importance of public perception in electoral outcomes. The Akwatia by-election serves as a microcosm of the broader political dynamics, where the weight of past performance, the attractiveness of future promises, and the ebb and flow of public sentiment can significantly influence voting decisions. The NPP, according to Dr. Okoe Boye’s assessment, faces the challenge of overcoming these lingering perceptions and regaining public trust in order to succeed in future elections.
In essence, the Akwatia by-election provides valuable insights into the current political climate. The NPP’s loss can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including lingering public dissatisfaction with their past governance, the allure of the NDC’s promises for the future, and the natural fading of memories over time. Dr. Okoe Boye’s analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics and adapting strategies accordingly. The by-election result serves as a stark reminder that public perception and the ability to inspire hope are crucial elements in achieving electoral success.
