The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has expressed deep disappointment and shock over the party’s performance in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Despite the party’s unprecedented support for its parliamentary candidates, the outcome has left the leadership and members in disbelief.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen show on Tuesday, January 14, Mr. Kodua described the election results as a significant blow to the party, given the efforts and resources invested in the campaign. “We are still in disbelief; the election outcome has left us stunned,” he admitted, reflecting on the widespread astonishment that followed the announcement of the results.
Mr. Kodua highlighted the deliberate efforts made by the party to address issues that plagued previous elections, particularly the 2020 parliamentary elections. One of the major criticisms during the 2020 polls was the imposition of candidates on constituencies, which created discontent among members and led to divisions within the party. He noted that this experience guided the party’s approach to the 2023/2024 parliamentary primaries.
Determined to avoid a repeat of past mistakes, the NPP leadership introduced measures to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for parliamentary candidates. Mr. Kodua emphasized that the 2023/2024 primaries were among the most transparent and efficient in the party’s history, free from controversy and interference. Constituencies were given the autonomy to select their preferred candidates without any external influence, a move he believed would strengthen the party’s unity and performance in the general elections.
To further promote transparency, the NPP established an album validation committee tasked with addressing concerns and preventing misunderstandings among party members during the primaries. This initiative was aimed at fostering trust and confidence in the process while minimizing disputes. According to Mr. Kodua, these efforts were well-received by party members, who acknowledged the leadership’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
Despite these efforts, the results of the 2024 parliamentary elections were disappointing. The NPP suffered a dramatic loss, securing only 88 seats in the 9th Parliament compared to the 137 seats it held in the 8th Parliament. This marked a significant shift in parliamentary representation, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) increasing its seats to 183. Four independent MPs also secured seats, while one parliamentary seat remains undecided due to an outstanding dispute being addressed by the Electoral Commission.
Reflecting on the party’s poor performance, Mr. Kodua identified widespread apathy within the NPP as a major contributing factor. He explained that this lack of enthusiasm and engagement had a significant impact on the party’s fortunes, affecting both presidential and parliamentary outcomes. “The level of apathy that permeated the party during the 2024 elections had a significant impact on both the presidential and parliamentary candidates,” he stated.
In the aftermath of the elections, Mr. Kodua decided to refrain from media interviews to reflect on the situation and understand the factors behind the party’s performance. He acknowledged the bewilderment and disappointment felt by many party members, especially given the transparent and smooth process implemented during the primaries. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the future and reiterated the party’s commitment to learning from the experience.
To address the concerns and identify the underlying causes of the party’s performance, the NPP has established a committee chaired by Prof. Mike Oquaye. This committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the 2024 elections, examining both internal and external factors that may have influenced the outcome. Mr. Kodua expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to provide a comprehensive report that will guide the party’s next steps.
The findings of the committee are expected to shed light on various issues, including campaign strategies, voter engagement, and the effectiveness of the measures implemented during the primaries. Mr. Kodua stressed the importance of this process in rebuilding the party’s strength and restoring the confidence of its members and supporters.
The loss of parliamentary seats has significant implications for the NPP, as it faces a more challenging political landscape in the 9th Parliament. The shift in representation underscores the need for the party to reassess its strategies and address the concerns of its members and constituents. Mr. Kodua acknowledged that the task ahead will not be easy but affirmed the party’s determination to rise above the challenges and emerge stronger.
The NPP’s leadership is committed to engaging its members and supporters in rebuilding the party’s foundation. Mr. Kodua emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming the setbacks of the 2024 elections. He called on all party members to remain resolute and focused on the shared goal of advancing the party’s agenda and serving the interests of Ghanaians.
As the NPP moves forward, the lessons learned from the 2024 elections will play a crucial role in shaping its future. The party’s ability to adapt and address the challenges it faces will determine its prospects in subsequent elections. Mr. Kodua assured members that the leadership is dedicated to making the necessary changes and ensuring the NPP remains a formidable force in Ghanaian politics.
The disappointment of the 2024 parliamentary elections serves as a wake-up call for the NPP to reassess its approach and reconnect with its grassroots. By addressing the factors that contributed to its performance, the party can regain the trust and support of its members and the electorate. With a renewed focus on unity, transparency, and accountability, the NPP aims to build a stronger and more resilient foundation for the future.
As the investigation into the 2024 elections continues, all eyes are on the NPP’s leadership to chart a path forward that reflects the aspirations and expectations of its members and supporters. Mr. Kodua’s commitment to transparency and accountability underscores the party’s determination to learn from the experience and emerge stronger in the face of adversity.
