The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unveiled plans to establish a comprehensive election review committee to analyze the factors behind its defeat in the 2024 general elections. The decision was announced during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters, where National Chairman Stephen Ayesu Ntim addressed members and supporters of the party.
Ntim emphasized the importance of introspection, expressing his commitment to understanding the reasons behind the loss and ensuring that the party is better positioned for future electoral contests. He stated that the committee will welcome candid feedback from party members and stakeholders as part of a broader reorganization effort aimed at revitalizing the NPP’s base.
Acknowledging the disappointment felt by party supporters nationwide, Ntim reassured them of the party’s solidarity with their concerns. “We were very hopeful and positive, and our aim was to secure an emphatic victory at the polls. And we went very hard at it. As a party, we put in our best efforts in the campaign. I commend all members of the various campaign teams of the party, from polling stations to the national level, who also put in their very best in the competition,” he said.
Despite the setback, Ntim emphasized that the NPP remains resolute in its quest to build a better Ghana, guided by its principles and philosophies. “There is no doubt that the outcome of the election was not what we hoped for. We may not have won the battle, but we haven’t lost the war on the quest for a better Ghana, shaped by the ideals and philosophies of the New Patriotic Party,” he added.
The committee, set to be established in January 2025, will undertake a thorough review of the 2024 elections, engaging party stakeholders and the general public to identify the key factors that contributed to the party’s defeat. According to Ntim, the review process will also include an evaluation of the party’s constitution, particularly the processes for electing national executives and flag bearers, to ensure a more robust and inclusive approach in the future.
The NPP’s electoral loss has been described as significant, as it marked a major comeback for former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mahama was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election by the Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday, December 9, securing a decisive victory over the NPP’s candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to the EC, Mahama received 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast, while Bawumia garnered 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%. Mahama’s victory not only signaled his return to the presidency but also strengthened the NDC’s position in Parliament. The party secured a majority, with over 180 parliamentary seats already confirmed, including several constituencies traditionally held by the ruling NPP.
The results of the election have prompted widespread discussions about the NPP’s campaign strategy, governance record, and internal dynamics. Many analysts have pointed to a combination of factors, including economic challenges, voter dissatisfaction, and a strong opposition campaign, as contributing to the party’s defeat.
Stephen Ntim acknowledged the need for significant effort to rebuild the party’s base and restore confidence among its supporters. “Revitalizing the party’s base will require significant effort to prepare for future electoral contests,” he noted. The review committee’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the NPP’s strategy for the next general elections, as well as its broader approach to governance and party organization.
The announcement of the committee has been met with mixed reactions from party members and political observers. While some have praised the initiative as a necessary step toward addressing the party’s challenges, others have called for a more immediate and comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying issues that led to the electoral defeat.
For the NPP, the road ahead will require a careful balancing of internal reforms, external outreach, and strategic planning. The party’s leadership has expressed confidence in its ability to learn from the 2024 elections and emerge stronger in the future. “The committee will engage all party stakeholders and the general public on the factors and circumstances leading to our defeat,” Ntim stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and transparency in the review process.
The outcome of the 2024 elections has also underscored the resilience and determination of the NDC under Mahama’s leadership. After losing the presidency in 2016 and failing to reclaim it in 2020, Mahama’s victory in 2024 represents a remarkable political comeback. His campaign focused on addressing key national issues, including economic management, social infrastructure, and governance, resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.
Mahama’s return to power comes at a critical time for Ghana, as the country grapples with economic challenges, social inequalities, and global uncertainties. With a strong parliamentary majority, the NDC is expected to pursue an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing these challenges and fulfilling its campaign promises.
For the NPP, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and repositioning itself as a formidable opposition party. The establishment of the election review committee is seen as a critical first step in this process. By engaging stakeholders, analyzing the factors behind the electoral defeat, and implementing necessary reforms, the party aims to regain the trust and support of the Ghanaian people.
As the political landscape in Ghana continues to evolve, the NPP’s response to its 2024 election loss will play a key role in shaping its future trajectory. The party’s ability to adapt, innovate, and reconnect with its base will determine its prospects in the next electoral cycle and beyond.
The coming months will be crucial for both the NPP and the NDC as they navigate their respective roles in Ghana’s democracy. For the NPP, the challenge lies in learning from its setbacks and preparing for a comeback, while the NDC faces the task of delivering on its mandate and meeting the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
In the meantime, the NPP’s leadership remains committed to addressing the concerns of its members and supporters. “We may have lost this election, but our vision for a better Ghana remains intact,” Ntim concluded. “Together, we will work to strengthen our party, uphold our values, and continue our quest to serve the people of Ghana.”
The political landscape in Ghana has undoubtedly shifted, but the resilience of its democratic institutions and the commitment of its political actors remain central to the nation’s progress. For the NPP, the lessons of 2024 will serve as a foundation for building a stronger, more inclusive, and more effective party in the years ahead.
