The Former Majority Leader and Chairman of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has revealed critical insights into the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 electoral defeat, highlighting economic hardships, internal party issues, and voter sentiments.
He admitted that the enthusiasm usually associated with the party’s campaigns was missing, making victory difficult for the NPP’s flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“If the elections had been conducted in August 2024, Dr. Bawumia would have polled around 30% against John Mahama because, at that time, economic hardships were severe.’’
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chairman of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee
However, he noted that the NPP was able to regain some lost ground by December when the elections were finally held, resulting in Bawumia securing 4,877,611 votes (41.75%) against John Mahama’s 6,591,790 votes (56.42%).
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that in past elections, large crowds would gather in towns and cities to support the party, but this enthusiasm was absent in 2024.
“I started seeing signs that the election would not be easy, but we still hoped for a better outcome.’’
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chairman of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee
Moreover, the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders was identified as a major issue that weakened grassroots mobilization. Many party supporters felt disconnected, leading to reduced voter turnout and enthusiasm.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also cited economic difficulties as a major reason for the NPP’s loss. He revealed that Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had warned former President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2017 about the dangers of allowing Ghanaians to “become hungry and angry.”
He noted that this warning was ignored, and the economic struggles that followed the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the party’s fortunes.
He emphasized that Ghanaians were deeply affected by inflation, high unemployment, and rising costs of living, which eroded public confidence in the government and ultimately reflected in the election results.
Corruption, Leadership Style, and Ethnic Sentiments
According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, corruption allegations and Akufo-Addo’s leadership style played a role in the NPP’s struggles. There was a strong perception that the government was controlled by Akufo-Addo’s family and close associates, which alienated many voters.
Additionally, he acknowledged that while ethnicity did not influence the outcome of the elections, Ethnic conflict sentiments did play a role, as some voters linked Bawumia, a Mamprusi, to conflicts in the Northern Region, particularly in Bawku. He added that some party members expressed concerns about Bawumia’s close association with the Akufo-Addo administration.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further highlighted that the Ashanti Region felt neglected in terms of infrastructure development, which created a disconnect between the party’s regional and constituency levels.
This lack of development dampened enthusiasm among Ashanti voters, many of whom traditionally support the NPP.
Despite the challenges, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that many NPP supporters have expressed a willingness to return, if necessary, changes are made. However, the party’s leadership for future elections remains uncertain.
As to whether Dr. Bawumia should continue as the party’s leader, he said would depend on findings from the other 15 regions.
‘So far, respondents in the Ashanti region have said the loss was not related to Bawumia’s religion or ethnicity. We are waiting to hear from the other regions on his candidature. If there is a consensus, that will guide our decision moving forward.’’
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chairman of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee
The Selection of a Running Mate
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also addressed the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) as Bawumia’s running mate. He revealed that he was personally urged to take up the position but declined.
“Napo is an experienced MP, and his age made him a viable successor should Dr. Bawumia complete two terms.’’
”His selection was also aimed to bridge the divide within the party between the Kufuor-Kyerematen and Akufo-Addo-Boahen factions. While there were expectations that he would energize the youth vote, that did not materialize.’’
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chairman of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s revelations underscore the multiple factors that contributed to the NPP’s defeat in 2024. Economic hardships, leadership challenges, internal divisions, and perceptions of neglect all played significant roles in shaping voter behavior.
The party now faces a crucial period of reflection, with the leadership question still unresolved. Whether Bawumia remains the NPP’s flag bearer coming 2028 elections will depend on the broader findings from all 16 regions, as party members seek a path forward.
Ultimately, the NPP’s ability to regain public trust will depend on its willingness to address the grievances raised by both party supporters and the general electorate.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s 2025 Budget Signals a Shift in Economic Management
