The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) unexpected defeat in the 2024 general elections continues to stir intense introspection within its ranks, with former Minister of State at the Office of the President, Catherine Afeku, describing the loss as a political tsunami that caught the party flat-footed.
In a candid post-election reflection, Afeku called for humility, unity, and maturity as the party repositions itself under a Mahama-led presidency in 2025.
Afeku, a former Member of Parliament and long-time party stalwart, recounted her experience across five electoral cycles, noting that while the party had weathered losses before, the scale and swiftness of the 2024 defeat were unprecedented.
“It was a tsunami we didn’t see coming. I’ve been through the 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections, but this one was different”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
In an appeal directed at the NPP’s rank and file, Afeku emphasized the need for humility in defeat and a disciplined approach to rebuilding. She warned that denial would only worsen internal divisions and delay recovery.
“We need to accept that we are defeated. First, you deny, then you accept, and then you go back to the drawing board. That is the process. Right now, the key challenge is being united”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
For Afeku, who hails from Nzema in the Western Region, unity must replace blame as the dominant response within the party. She highlighted the initial signs of internal discord following the elections, especially surrounding the party’s “thank you tour,” which became a point of contention.
“Some people even withdrew from the thank you tour. The NPP, from the perspective of many Ghanaians, looks untidy right now and not united”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
Clarion Call
Afeku sees herself playing a healing role. Drawing on her experience as a politician, a former cabinet member, and a mother, she believes women in the party have a unique opportunity to bring people together.
She stated that “we have to remind the younger generation who are devastated that we’ve been through this before.”
In her historical reflection, she referenced the “political wilderness” the party endured after Prime Minister Busia left office in 1969 and urged party members to hold fast to hope and perseverance.
“This is real. It’s grief. We’ve lost something, and we have to allow the people to grieve. When they have healed, we quickly come back together”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
Despite public speculation about the state of the NPP, Afeku dismissed the notion that the party is broken beyond repair.
She acknowledged that while there were deep cracks, the foundations of the party remained intact. “The NPP is at a crossroads, but we’ll bounce back. The NDC may be in power now but politics is a cycle”
She noted that the NDC had also experienced setbacks, including its time out of office from 2017 to 2025, and emphasized that power changes hands in democracies. According to her, the NPP’s situation is not novel and recovery is achievable with discipline and cohesion.
Role In Opposition
Turning to the NPP’s role in opposition, Afeku dismissed criticisms of the party’s assertiveness as excessive. She stressed that the current scrutiny directed at President Mahama’s administration is within the bounds of political norms.
“We are not doing church. It’s politics. It is not a game. It comes with the territory. You have to oppose what is not good. That is the job of a responsible opposition”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
She rejected accusations of political tit-for-tat, stating that the NDC had engaged in similar behavior while in opposition. Afeku defended the NPP’s current stance as a reflection of healthy democratic engagement.
“We’re here to keep the government on its toes. When the cedi is stable, we say it but we still have to stay vigilant. My praise singing ended the day President Mahama was sworn in”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
Afeku believes that keeping the government in check is not only expected of an opposition party but necessary for the health of Ghana’s democracy.
She cited the active presence of Member of Parliaments like Afenyo-Markin and vocal grassroots engagement on social media as evidence that the NPP remains an influential political force.
“We’re just doing what is expected of an opposition party. Thankfully in Ghana, it’s just NPP and NDC, so we have to make sure we keep the government on its toes”
Catherine Afeku, Former Minister of State
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