Former Member of Parliament (MP) of Obuasi East, Edward Ennin, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) historic electoral defeat to poor leadership under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr Ennin described the President’s refusal to heed advice from party executives and his divisive policies as major factors in the party’s downfall.
He expressed frustration over what he perceives as arrogance of some party members and Akufo-Addo’s disregard for concerns raised by senior officials.
He noted that, despite widespread resistance, the President pressed ahead with unpopular decisions that alienated the party’s base.
The former MP also criticized Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership as flagbearer, claiming his campaign strategy created confusion among party supporters.
Mr Ennin questioned Dr. Bawumia’s credentials arguing that, his rise within the party fueled tribal divisions among the grassroots.
“I have come to realize that some, in fact, most of Akufo-Addo’s actions did not help the party at all. He is somebody we should blame for this defeat. The taxes, flagbearer also campaigning against your own policies, people were confused about what was going on. Even me I was confused. NPP took a wrong decision making Bawumia flagbearer. He just joined the party in 2018 without a party card”.
Mr Ennin did not spare other party executives as he accused them of failing to challenge the President.
He singled out the Chairman of the Council of Elders and National Chairman for abandoning neutrality, adding that most executives “just followed orders and failed to protect or defend the party.”
Looking ahead, Mr Ennin called for a complete overhaul of the party’s leadership structure noting that, only the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua had proven effective in recent years.
He stressed the need for a united front and advocated for the return of estranged members like Alan Kyerematen, Kwabena Agyapong, Hopeson Adorye and others to help rebuild the party.
The former lawmaker also admonished the NPP to sanction misbehaving executives and focuse on re-engaging the grassroots.
Left to him, all parliamentary candidates who lost this year’s elections must not be allowed to contest any internal elections.