The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general election to its failure to effectively communicate the challenges it encountered during its tenure to the Ghanaian populace. Speaking on Point Blank, a segment of Eyewitness News, Mr. Assafuah admitted that governance challenges significantly impacted the party’s popularity and electoral performance.
During his appearance, Mr. Assafuah expressed that the NPP’s inability to convey its challenges and successes over the years contributed to the party’s poor reception among voters. He highlighted the importance of effective communication in politics, emphasizing that voters must understand the complexities of governance and the realities faced by their leaders.
He praised President Akufo-Addo as one of Ghana’s most outstanding leaders since independence, recognizing his contributions and leadership qualities. However, Mr. Assafuah also conceded that some decisions made by the President and his appointees did not resonate well with the public, indicating that this disconnect adversely affected the party’s image.
“We had issues with governance. Akufo-Addo is one of the best presidents we’ve ever had since independence. Of course, there are actions and inactions of people, especially appointees, that did not go down well with the people of Ghana,” he stated.
Mr. Assafuah acknowledged that while the party faced various challenges during its time in office, it failed to communicate these effectively to the electorate. He pointed out that many Ghanaians were unaware of the underlying issues affecting governance and the complexities involved in addressing them. This lack of communication resulted in public perception being heavily influenced by misinformation and unfulfilled expectations.
He further elaborated on the challenge of fulfilling campaign promises, using former President John Mahama’s pledges as an example. Mr. Assafuah referred to specific campaign promises made by Mahama, including commitments to cancel taxes such as the E-Levy and Betting Tax within 120 days of assuming office. He argued that these promises reflect the complexities of governance and the difficulties involved in fulfilling them without creating fiscal imbalances.
“John Mahama said that within the first 120 days, he is going to cancel the E-Levy, Betting Tax, etc. This was before he took over the reins of government. He is now trying to rationalize the minds of the Ghanaian people, but it may not be easy to implement such promises,” he explained.
Mr. Assafuah emphasized that such tax cancellations, while appealing to voters, are often impractical and could lead to significant budget deficits. He pointed out that the NPP government was faced with the difficult task of managing the nation’s finances and addressing various economic challenges while attempting to fulfill its own campaign promises.
“It means these taxes are necessary. However, the NPP failed to carry the people of Ghana along to understand the challenges we faced as a nation,” he added, highlighting the importance of engaging citizens in conversations about the realities of governance.
The comments from Mr. Assafuah come in the wake of the NPP’s electoral defeat, prompting party leaders to reassess their strategies and communication methods in order to reconnect with voters. The NPP’s performance in the 2024 general elections has sparked discussions about the need for introspection and recalibration within the party to restore public trust and confidence.
Moving forward, Mr. Assafuah called for the NPP to prioritize transparency and engagement with the electorate. He believes that by fostering open dialogues and addressing the concerns of Ghanaians, the party can rebuild its image and regain the support of voters in future elections.
The NPP has faced mounting criticism in recent years due to economic challenges, inflation, and public dissatisfaction with governance. As the party reflects on its recent electoral losses, it is imperative for leadership to take stock of the factors that contributed to the defeat and develop a comprehensive plan for revitalizing its messaging and outreach efforts.
In light of the current political landscape, Mr. Assafuah’s insights underscore the need for political parties to prioritize effective communication as a vital tool for connecting with voters. This involves not only articulating achievements but also candidly addressing challenges and the complexities of governance.
Ultimately, as the NPP seeks to reposition itself in Ghana’s political arena, Mr. Assafuah’s call for better communication and engagement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the electorate. By doing so, the party can work towards rebuilding trust and fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry that is better equipped to navigate the complexities of governance and political discourse in Ghana.
In conclusion, the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections can be seen as a significant moment for reflection and growth. As the party confronts the realities of its governance challenges, there is an opportunity to enhance its communication strategies, ensuring that the electorate is well-informed and engaged in the political process.
By embracing a more transparent and participatory approach, the NPP can lay the groundwork for future electoral success and re-establish itself as a formidable force in Ghanaian politics.
