Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, a political analyst, has attributed the NPP’s poor performance in the December 2024 elections to two critical factors: flaws in institutional structures and the party’s disregard for its own constitution in the lead-up to the elections.
According to Dr. Amakye-Boateng, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, upon assuming leadership, disregarded the constitutional principles that underpin the party, thereby weakening its foundation.
He indicated that a striking example was the removal of a national chair elected through popular vote, which raised serious concerns about the offense, the removal process, and overall respect for the party’s constitutional framework.
“The NPP, as an institution, operates within the framework of its constitution, which serves to unify its members, establish rules, and define the actions and inactions of its members. This constitution outlines the party’s structures, offices, and procedures for filling those positions, as well as the roles and responsibilities of its members.
“The constitution begins with national leadership, specifying roles such as the party chair and other key officers. It also outlines the processes for selecting candidates for presidential elections and governs the behavior of those in leadership. Importantly, it prescribes the actions to take when a member breaches the rules, including disciplinary measures”.
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng
In an interview with the Vaultz News, Prof. Amakye-Boateng emphasized that a political party’s failure to adhere to its constitution breeds indiscipline, ultimately eroding its foundation—a situation that plagued the NPP.
He explained that constitutions are the cornerstone of organizations and states, and members must respect and abide by them to preserve the organization’s integrity.
The NPP’s disregard for these principles, he noted, marked the start of its decline, which eventually led to their loss of power.
According to the political analyst, this was further exacerbated by the party’s unrealistic confidence in securing over 80% of votes in the Ashanti Region, reflecting a disconnect from reality.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng suggested that the NPP must return to its foundational principles to move forward.
He maintained that while impractical elements of the NPP’s constitution may warrant review, strict adherence to its provisions must remain non-negotiable.
He stressed that the breach of the constitution under Nana Addo’s leadership, which enabled the consolidation of power and the “capture” of the state, must never be allowed to happen again. “To rebuild trust and credibility, discipline must become a hallmark of the NPP, both within the party and in governance”.
Unmet Promises Damage NPP’s Public Image
Furthermore, Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng observed that Nana Addo’s promises to transform Ghana were starkly at odds with his actions in office, undermining the party’s credibility due to a lack of discipline.
He emphasized that for the NPP to rebuild public trust, it must prioritize discipline and integrity within its internal structures.
According to him, the 2024 campaign highlighted the party’s inability to address pressing issues such as the economy, unemployment, and social welfare.
Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, he noted, lacked credibility, as the government’s actions failed to align with his rhetoric.
“His [Dr. Bawumia] over-promising in 2016 and 2020 campaigns backfired when those promises went unfulfilled under Nana Addo’s leadership. Consequently, his credibility was eroded, and he struggled to inspire confidence.
“The NPP must acknowledge that credibility starts with internal sincerity and transparency. A party that fails to uphold its promises to its members cannot expect to resonate with the broader electorate. Their grassroots base, once a core strength, has been neglected. Rebuilding this foundation requires genuine engagement and addressing the grievances of party loyalists”.
Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng
Dr. Amakye-Boateng emphasized that the NPP’s future depends on comprehensive restructuring.
He urged party leaders responsible for its current challenges to step aside, making way for fresh leadership and innovative ideas, adding that irrelevant offices should be dissolved, and new structures established where necessary.
This reset, he noted, is essential to present the party with a renewed identity and a fresh start.
By adhering to its constitution and implementing meaningful reforms, the NPP can rebuild public trust and reestablish itself as a credible political alternative.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amakye-Boateng observed that in Ghana’s political landscape, parties often regain power not due to superior policies but because of the failures of the ruling party. “This pattern reflects deeper issues of political corruption and mismanagement”.
He noted that the NDC, with its broader support base, has a unique opportunity to break this cycle by prioritizing policies that drive wealth creation and support social programs.
He noted that by focusing on performance and addressing the needs of Ghanaians, the NDC could sustain power for extended periods, similar to the enduring political dominance seen in countries like Japan and Norway.
Dr. Amakye-Boateng however emphasized that the NPP’s revival ultimately hinges on sincerity, meaningful structural reforms, and a recommitment to principled governance. “Only then can it rebuild its credibility and reconnect with both its grassroots and the Ghanaian populace”.
