A detailed fact-finding report led by former Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has outlined critical reasons for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) significant loss in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The report, which focused extensively on the Ashanti Region—the party’s traditional stronghold—identified leadership style, internal election processes, and discontent among party members as key factors contributing to the NPP’s electoral downfall.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) suffered a historic defeat in Ghana’s 2024 general elections, recording its worst electoral performance for a ruling party in the Fourth Republic.
The party’s presidential candidate secured only 41.7% of the vote, trailing significantly behind the National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose candidate won with 56.42%.
In the parliamentary elections, the NPP’s representation in Parliament dropped sharply from 137 seats to 88, while the NDC increased its seats to 183, securing a commanding majority.
This outcome reflects widespread voter dissatisfaction and signals a major shift in Ghana’s political landscape.
The report attributed much of the party’s declining support to the leadership style of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which many respondents perceived as rigid, single-minded, and dominated by close family members.
According to the findings, 87% of respondents believed that Akufo-Addo was indifferent to public sentiments and concerns, particularly during his second term.
While his first term was widely praised for its responsiveness and policy-driven approach, his refusal to reshuffle underperforming ministers—especially his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta—was seen as a major weakness.
Many party supporters expressed frustration over the administration’s unwillingness to heed calls for change, weakening confidence in the government and ultimately affecting the party’s electoral performance.
The Bawumia Factor: Struggles on the Campaign Trail
Another major concern highlighted in the report was the perception of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as an extension of Akufo-Addo.
A striking 78% of respondents felt that Bawumia’s association with the former president hindered his ability to present himself as an independent leader with fresh ideas.
This perception, according to the report, alienated many voters, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where the NPP has traditionally enjoyed strong support.
The research indicated that Bawumia struggled to differentiate himself from the former administration’s shortcomings, making it difficult for the party to convince voters that a new NPP government under his leadership would bring meaningful change.
Flaws in the Party’s Delegate System
The report further criticized the mode of selecting the party’s presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives, describing the delegate system as a “cancerous” process that requires urgent reform.
Many respondents expressed concerns that the current delegate system allows a few party elites to determine the leadership, leading to apathy among grassroots members.
To address this, the report recommended expanding the Electoral College to make it more inclusive. By allowing a broader section of party members to participate in candidate selection, the party can foster greater transparency, reduce monetization, and rebuild trust with its base.
To reposition the party for future electoral success, the report outlined several recommendations including urgent internal reforms.
The rapport urged the NPP to address structural defects that have led to internal apathy and discontent., suggesting that a revamp of the leadership selection process will be crucial to restoring confidence among party members.
On merit-based appointments, the report noted that ensuring that appointments are based on commitment, hard work, and merit rather than favouritism will reassure party supporters that dedication to the party will be rewarded fairly.
According to the report, the party must swiftly address internal disputes to foster unity and prevent avoidable divisions that weaken electoral prospects.
Additionally, the report recommended that reconnecting with the party’s traditional allies and mending strained relationships will be essential for strengthening its support base ahead of future elections.
The fact-finding team, which included Emelda Antwi, William Oppong Bio, Bernard Abdallah, Rose Hamilton, and Oheneba Owusu Danso, gathered insights from diverse groups across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region.
Respondents included commercial drivers, market women, traders, business owners, artisans, youth groups, teachers, doctors, and other professionals.
The 2024 electoral defeat presents a moment of reckoning for the NPP. The findings of the Kyei Mensah-Bonsu-led report underscore the urgent need for introspection and reforms.
With voter sentiments shifting and internal grievances surfacing, the party’s ability to implement these recommendations will determine its future prospects.
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