Mr. Kofi Tonto, the Political Aide to the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has indicated that the NPP as a party has yet to formally review the report by Fitch regarding the 2024 elections and make a decision.
He pointed out that, while the party has not fully reviewed the entire report, they have examined sections that focus on the economy and predict potential challenges the incumbent NPP government may face in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
“It [the report] ascribes the reason [for NPP’s possible loss] to the economy and job creation. One thing that is very instrumental in the report is that it highlights the challenges confronting several African countries, including Ghana. It talks about how the economic challenges will impact the elections”.
“As I have said, the campaign and the party are yet to officially review it but the bottom line is this, once there is a report, you always have to take it in good faith, analyze the critical part of the report, and see how you can take certain decisions and quickly make amends”.
Mr. Kofi Tonto
Mr. Tonto went on to clarify that the Fitch report’s finding of 54% support for the NDC’s campaign policies does not necessarily translate to a guaranteed 54% victory margin for the NDC in the December elections.
He emphasized that as a ruling party, the key issue is not just the data provided by Fitch, but how it utilizes that data to build trust with the electorate and demonstrate its capabilities to address the nation’s challenges.
He also noted that the report additionally suggested that even if the NDC emerges victorious, it will have limited flexibility to revamp the country’s economic trajectory, as it would be bound to continue the existing economic path in order to maintain the IMF program.
“So it tells you that it’s not like the NDC is bringing anything credible to the people”. – Mr. Kofi Tonto
Youth Disillusionment: No Faith In NDC Solutions
Furthermore, Mr. Kofi Tonto indicated that the report highlights that young people are disgruntled due to economic challenges and a lack of jobs, but it does not indicate that the NDC has any meaningful solutions to offer.
He explained that the results of Fitch’s survey reflect people’s dissatisfaction with the current economic situation, rather than a genuine belief in the NDC’s ability to provide a tangible and viable solution to address the economic challenges.
“The report, per what I have read, we should take it as a cautionary measure, go to the people and explain to them that look, sentimentally, you may be feeling the hardship and all that but the bottom line is that, the people that are coming to you, asking you to vote for them, have nothing for you”.
Mr. Kofi Tonto
He emphasized that the NDC is merely relying on emotional appeals to win over voters and gain power, without having any substantive policies or solutions to offer.
Mr. Tonto contended that, as the NPP has consistently maintained, the NDC lacks the credibility to be a viable alternative for the people of Ghana, and therefore remains an unconvincing choice for those seeking effective governance.
He declared that the NDC’s presidential candidate has demonstrated incompetence, as evidenced by his track record during his previous tenure as President from 2012 to 2016.
The NPP stalwart dismissed the NDC’s assertion that this election is a struggle for Ghana’s independence, labeling it as baseless and unfounded, given the incompetence of their leader, who lacks a clear vision and contribution to offer.
“You have been in opposition for eight years [and] you are struggling to even explain your main policy and you want to tell Ghanaians and hoodwink them into thinking that they are under some slave trade or oppression and somehow you are coming to save us. Save us from what exactly?”
Mr. Kofi Tonto
He conceded that challenges exist, but emphasized that they are not peculiar to Ghana alone, rather, they are a universal concern, as corroborated by the Fitch report, which highlights the global nature of these challenges.
