Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a political scientist, has refuted claims by former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Hon. Adwoa Safo, that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia played no role in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 elections.
According to him, the Vice President’s own actions and perceived shortcomings contributed significantly to the party’s loss.
Dr. Asah-Asante argued that Dr. Bawumia’s track record did not align with the grand promises he made during the 2016 and 2020 election campaigns.
“If you look at Dr. Bawumia’s own utterances prior to the 2016 and 2020 elections, he claimed he would do a whole lot if given the mandate. But when he had the opportunity, he failed to deliver. That was a big indictment on him.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante
The political scientist also pointed out that Dr. Bawumia’s public conduct and religious engagements sparked unease among certain segments of the population, particularly within the Muslim community.
He argued that some of Bawumia’s actions did not sit well with his core religious base, citing instances where his approach to faith and public appearances seemed contradictory.
According to Dr. Asah-Asante, the former Vice President’s overall demeanor on religious matters raised concerns.
He indicated that many Muslims, especially, were uncomfortable with the way Dr. Bawumia presented himself in religious contexts across the country.
Additionally, he pointed out that the former Vice President’s visits to traditional shrines were met with disapproval, as they conflicted with Islamic teachings.
Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized that while there is nothing inherently wrong with engaging different religious groups, “for a Muslim to go to such places and speak in ways that made his own people uncomfortable was not the best.”
He noted that such actions alienated some Muslim supporters who had once rallied behind the Vice President.
Economic Failures Hurt NPP’s Chances
Another major factor, according to Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, was Dr. Bawumia’s perceived failure to manage the economy.
As the Vice President, he was positioned as the government’s lead on economic policy, with President Nana Akufo-Addo branding him as the “economic messiah.”
Asah-Asante indicated that, however, when the country faced a financial crisis, his absence from the public sphere raised concerns.
” When the need arose, we couldn’t see him. He was somewhere else doing other things. That was very, very critical.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante
The political scientist argued that Dr. Bawumia’s inability to take charge during economic turmoil significantly damaged his credibility.
Many Ghanaians, he said, expected him to offer solutions or at least acknowledge the issues head-on.
Instead, his perceived detachment made it easier for the opposition to criticize the government’s handling of the economy and gain public sympathy.
Dr. Asah-Asante acknowledged that Dr. Bawumia was not solely responsible for the NPP’s electoral defeat. “The economy was in a bad state. The President’s own posture and attitude also played a role.”
He explained that the interplay of these factors fueled widespread voter dissatisfaction, ultimately contributing to the party’s defeat in the elections.
According to him, the accumulation of unaddressed grievances, policy missteps, and perceived disconnect between the party’s leadership and the electorate eroded public confidence.
This growing discontent translated into voter apathy and, in some cases, a deliberate choice to vote against the party, signaling a clear rejection of its governance approach.
Now in opposition, the NPP has established a committee to critically analyze the factors behind its defeat and formulate a strategy to rebuild public confidence.
To stage a political comeback, the party may need to implement meaningful internal reforms, present clearer economic policies, and adopt a leadership style that resonates more with the electorate.
Genuine introspection and accountability will be crucial, requiring party leaders to openly acknowledge past missteps and actively address voter concerns.
As the political landscape shifts, the question remains whether Dr. Bawumia and the NPP leadership will take responsibility for their shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments to regain electoral favor.
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