In the wake of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) crushing defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Alliance for Footsoldiers Advocacy (AFFA) has blamed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership for the party’s abysmal performance.

The group, in a press statement, expressed its disappointment and outrage over the NPP’s historic electoral loss. The party garnered just 41% of the presidential vote and was reduced to less than 100 parliamentary seats, marking its weakest showing in decades.

“AFFA is of the firm conviction, that, the 7th December verdict by the Ghanaian people was a revolt against the intransigence of President Akufo-Addo, and not a vote against the NPP per se! Dr. Bawumia is just a victim of circumstance, who, unfortunately became the unintended casualty of the bottled anger of the masses”.
Alliance for Footsoldiers Advocacy (AFFA)

Central to AFFA’s grievances was President Akufo-Addo’s controversial decision to retain Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, despite widespread criticism over his handling of the economy during a severe downturn in 2022.

According to AFFA, this refusal to act decisively, even in the face of public outcry and calls for Ofori-Atta’s removal by NPP Members of Parliament, was the “straw that broke the camel’s back.”

The group further highlighted several unpopular policies introduced under the President’s leadership, including the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), E-Levy, Betting Tax, COVID-19 Levy, and the controversial National Cathedral project.

AFFA argued that these measures, coupled with a perception of arrogance from some government appointees, eroded public goodwill toward the NPP.

Stagnation in Leadership

Another key issue raised by AFFA was President Akufo-Addo’s failure to refresh his government over his eight-year tenure.

The group criticized the lack of substantial ministerial reshuffles and accused the President of prioritizing a small circle of loyalists over the broader interests of the party. “The impunity, selfishness, and arrogance of some appointees, and the neglect of footsoldiers, cannot be overemphasized,” the statement read.

AFFA also pointed to strained relations between the Jubilee House (the presidency) and the NPP Headquarters, describing their relationship as being “miles apart” despite both being based in Accra.

While lamenting the defeat, AFFA emphasized the need for introspection and restructuring within the NPP. The group urged the party to reorganize its structures at all levels, from polling stations to the national executive, to ensure a stronger comeback in 2028.

“This defeat is an awakening call for all members of the NPP. Let us regroup and re-strategize. We can’t fail the masses,” AFFA declared, rallying its members to remain hopeful and committed to the party’s revival.

AFFA’s statement underscored the consequences of leadership missteps and disconnects within political parties.

For the NPP, the 2024 elections may be over, but the journey toward rebuilding the party and restoring public trust has just begun.