Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO and the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general election, has attributed the party’s electoral loss to internal challenges that have plagued its governance and organizational structure.
His remarks come in the wake of the NPP’s failed bid to secure a third consecutive term in office, as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) claimed victory in the December 7, 2024 elections. The win marked a significant political comeback for John Dramani Mahama, who is set to return to the presidency.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda, NAPO highlighted that the NPP’s defeat was not merely the result of economic challenges but stemmed primarily from unresolved internal conflicts and organizational flaws within the party. According to him, these governance issues have persisted over time and have contributed to the party’s failure to effectively engage its supporters and address critical concerns during the electoral process.
“MPs were begging people to go and vote, but they said they were not going to vote. That is not about economic mismanagement; it is about a deep-seated problem the party hasn’t addressed,” he explained. NAPO stressed that such challenges reflect systemic issues within the NPP, which require introspection and decisive action to ensure the party remains competitive in future elections.
Drawing on historical context, NAPO recounted instances in the party’s past where similar governance issues had undermined its electoral performance. He pointed to the 1992 elections, during which the NPP suffered a significant setback by boycotting parliament after claiming the elections were rigged. “In 1992, we had zero representation in parliament. The country and the party learned. Because in the said year, the presidential and parliamentary elections when the party lost, they wrote a stolen verdict and decided they were going to boycott parliament. It was a party decision. Subsequently, that same party met and said they shouldn’t have boycotted parliament,” he said.
NAPO emphasized that these lessons from the past underscore the importance of adapting and learning from mistakes. He noted that the decision to boycott parliament in 1992 was later recognized as a misstep, and the party resolved to participate in parliamentary proceedings regardless of the number of seats won. “They said it was better for us to go with the few seats we won than to boycott. So, the party changed, and the country changed,” he remarked, highlighting the need for the NPP to embrace similar reforms to address its current challenges.
The 2024 elections proved to be a difficult terrain for the NPP, which faced criticism over its handling of the economy and governance issues. However, NAPO maintained that the loss cannot be solely attributed to economic mismanagement. He argued that the deeper issue lies in the party’s inability to resolve internal conflicts and effectively mobilize its base. According to him, this disconnect led to voter apathy among party supporters, further diminishing the NPP’s chances of securing victory.
“You can’t imagine yourself to be a master of everything at every time. There are certain events that you may not be able to do anything about, and it will hit you. It is not just the NPP that has suffered that,” he stated, calling for a pragmatic approach to addressing the party’s internal issues.
NAPO’s comments reflect a broader call for introspection within the NPP as it seeks to rebuild and reposition itself for future elections. He urged the party leadership to focus on fostering unity and addressing the grievances of its members, particularly at the grassroots level. He also emphasized the need for open dialogue and a commitment to resolving longstanding issues that have hindered the party’s progress.
As the NPP prepares to navigate the post-election landscape, NAPO’s observations highlight the challenges ahead for the party. The 2024 election defeat serves as a wake-up call for the NPP to confront its internal governance issues and strengthen its organizational structure. For many party supporters, the path forward requires a renewed focus on unity, accountability, and a clear vision for the future.
The NDC’s victory in the 2024 elections underscores the importance of building a strong and cohesive political organization capable of resonating with voters. For the NPP, the lessons from this electoral cycle present an opportunity to reflect on its shortcomings and chart a path toward recovery. With figures like NAPO advocating for reform and introspection, the party’s future will largely depend on its ability to adapt and respond to the evolving political landscape.
As the dust settles from the 2024 elections, the focus now shifts to the role of the NPP in opposition and its efforts to rebuild trust among its supporters. NAPO’s candid assessment of the party’s internal challenges underscores the need for urgent action to address these issues and restore confidence in the party’s leadership. The road ahead will require a collective effort from all stakeholders within the NPP to ensure that the party emerges stronger and more united in the years to come.
The reflections offered by NAPO serve as a crucial starting point for the NPP’s journey toward self-assessment and renewal. By addressing its internal challenges and prioritizing unity, the party can position itself to reclaim its place as a formidable force in Ghana’s political arena. The lessons from the past, coupled with a commitment to reform, will be essential in shaping the NPP’s future trajectory and ensuring its relevance in the country’s democratic process.
