Dr. Jonathan Asante, a respected Political Science lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, has provided a critical analysis of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) significant loss in Ghana’s 2024 general elections. According to Dr. Asante, approximately 60 percent of the NPP’s electoral defeat can be attributed to the leadership style and decisions of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with the remaining 40 percent resting on the shoulders of the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Dr. Asante’s remarks follow a controversial statement by Sammy Crabbe, a former Vice Chairman of the NPP, who described the party as weak and disorganized. Speaking to Citi News, Dr. Asante highlighted the neglect of critical party structures and the over-centralization of decision-making as primary reasons for the party’s failure to secure a renewed mandate from the Ghanaian electorate. He compared the NPP’s predicament to a Biblical reference from the book of Jeremiah: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
Elaborating on this metaphor, Dr. Asante argued that the leadership style of Nana Akufo-Addo created a foundation of discontent and resentment, which culminated in a widespread rejection of the party during the elections. The lecturer noted that many of the government appointees under Akufo-Addo displayed a level of arrogance that alienated a significant portion of the electorate. This arrogance, combined with poor governance practices, weakened the goodwill the NPP had enjoyed in previous elections.
Dr. Asante was candid in assessing the role of Dr. Bawumia in the defeat, attributing 40 percent of the party’s poor performance to the former Vice President’s inability to connect effectively with the electorate. He argued that Dr. Bawumia, who campaigned as a candidate of transformation and economic expertise, failed to address the critical concerns of Ghanaians during a period of economic downturn. This disconnect, according to Dr. Asante, made it difficult for the party to maintain its base of support and expand its appeal to undecided voters.
Another key issue raised by Dr. Asante was the apparent erosion of internal party structures within the NPP. He described the party’s internal operations as weak and dysfunctional, likening it to a “one-man show.” The centralized decision-making process under Akufo-Addo marginalized party executives and grassroots organizers, leaving them disengaged and disillusioned. This neglect of party structures, Dr. Asante suggested, was a critical factor that led to the party’s inability to mobilize effectively during the 2024 campaign season.
Dr. Asante further pointed out that the arrogance and high-handedness displayed by government officials and party leaders alienated the NPP from the average voter. He argued that this sense of disconnect, coupled with a lack of accountability, created an environment where voters were eager to punish the party at the polls. The NPP’s inability to address pressing national issues, such as the economic challenges facing the country, further exacerbated its loss of credibility.
The political scientist also discussed the future of Ghanaian politics, noting that the performance of the Mahama-led administration would play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape. He emphasized that while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was the primary beneficiary of the NPP’s failures in the 2024 elections, its continued success would depend heavily on its ability to deliver on campaign promises and address the needs of the Ghanaian populace.
According to Dr. Asante, the 2024 election results serve as a wake-up call for the NPP to reflect on its leadership style and organizational structure. He advised the party to rebuild its internal structures, reconnect with its grassroots supporters, and adopt a more inclusive approach to governance. Without these changes, Dr. Asante warned, the NPP risks further alienation and continued electoral defeats in future elections.
He also expressed concerns about the broader implications of the NPP’s loss for Ghana’s political system. Dr. Asante argued that the weakening of a major political party could create an imbalance in the country’s democratic framework, where robust competition between parties is essential for accountability and good governance. He called on the NPP to undertake a thorough post-mortem analysis of its electoral defeat and implement reforms to restore public confidence in its leadership.
Dr. Asante’s analysis sheds light on the critical role of leadership in determining the fortunes of political parties in Ghana. His emphasis on the importance of strong party structures and effective grassroots mobilization serves as a reminder that successful political campaigns require more than just charismatic leadership at the top. The neglect of these fundamental principles, as seen in the case of the NPP, can have devastating consequences at the ballot box.
The NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat marks a significant turning point in Ghanaian politics, highlighting the growing demand for accountability and transparency from political leaders. It also underscores the need for political parties to prioritize the concerns of ordinary citizens over the ambitions of a few powerful individuals. As the country looks to the future, the lessons from the 2024 elections will undoubtedly shape the strategies and priorities of political parties on both sides of the aisle.
For the NDC, the challenge lies in capitalizing on its electoral victory to implement policies that address the pressing needs of the country. The Mahama administration’s ability to deliver on its promises will determine whether the NDC can consolidate its gains and secure a long-term mandate from the Ghanaian people. Conversely, the NPP must use this period of opposition to rebuild its internal structures, renew its commitment to democratic principles, and reconnect with the electorate.
In conclusion, Dr. Asante’s critique of the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Ghanaian politics. His analysis highlights the critical role of leadership, party structures, and grassroots engagement in determining electoral outcomes.
As the political landscape evolves, these lessons will serve as a guide for political parties seeking to navigate the complexities of governance and electoral competition in Ghana.
