Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has described the NPP’s defeat as unprecedented and reflective of the Ghanaian people’s disgust with how low Mr. Akufo-Addo’s governance had fallen.
Gyampo pointed out that when citizens voiced their struggles and hardships, they were dismissed and made to believe everything was fine, which only fueled their anger.
He emphasized that effective governance is not about surrounding oneself with subservient individuals and indulging in their flattery. Unfortunately, Mr. Akufo-Addo failed to understand this.
According to him, Akufo-Addo ignored constructive criticism and public concerns, instead relying on the praise of those paid to assure him all was well, while others were hired to insult critics who, in reality, were more capable and deserving of respect.
“Ghanaians spoke resoundingly in giving a huge mandate to the NDC led by President John Mahama in the 2024 General Elections. In Parliament, the NPP was also nearly decimated in a manner that many level-headed scholars who are not stomach-directed in their research and analysis had predicted.
“Well, Ghanaians have spoken and I will chronicle the factors that accounted for this monumental NPP defeat in a journal article shortly. They [NPP] can read to aid them [in rebuilding] their party. But for now, the NDC is the most attractive political party in Ghana and given that we aren’t a one-party state, I call on the OWNERS of the NPP to resurge the competitiveness of the party by dealing with their own political suicide of making just one man, Mr Akufo Addo more powerful than the political party. Let them rescue the party’s soul from the grip of Mr Akufo Addo and his remnants, to rebuild and restore the party to its great tradition”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
Prof. Gyampo further stated that in liberating the NPP from Akufo-Addo’s influence, the current leadership should have no role, as they lacked the courage to oppose the party’s downfall under his leadership.
He offered this as free advice to the party’s stakeholders, urging them to hold off on criticizing the new administration.
According to Gyampo, the judgment of Ghanaians revealed that the current NPP leadership has shown they are ineffective in governing the country. “Let them therefore focus on rebuilding their party and allow civil society to keep the new NDC government on its toes”.
NPP To Prioritize Rebuilding Over Criticism
Furthermore, Prof. Ransford Gyampo advised that the NPP should only voice their critiques of the new government after they have rebuilt the party and chosen a new leadership, aligned with their democratic principles.
He indicated that this new leadership should be quick to acknowledge the party’s governance failures while in power and bring fresh, innovative ideas to address the needs of the people seeking meaningful improvements in their lives.
“Dear OWNERS of NPP, do these, else, should the NDC handle the mandate given them by Ghanaians well and even slightly better than how Mr Akufo Addo did, your party would remain in opposition for long and this may not be good for Ghana’s democracy.
“The party can learn in humility or choose to continue on the arrogant tangent that has brought it to its knees even when it wallows in opposition. Good luck!”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
Meanwhile, Gyampo also extended his congratulations to President Mahama on his victory, urging him to let the significant mandate humble him and to strive to serve Ghanaians well.
He acknowledged that challenges will persist and immediate change may be difficult, but emphasized that one way to restore hope and confidence in the political class is by returning to the NDC’s principles of probity and accountability.
He advised recovering stolen funds, reclaiming state lands and properties acquired through dubious means, investigating fraudulent deals that cost the state money, and ensuring those responsible face the law. “I wish you well”.
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