The findings highlight broad public approval of his leadership in overseeing election security.

Despite this strong endorsement, the survey also showed that only one in five voters opposed his dismissal from office.

This suggests that while many Ghanaians recognised his competence during the election, a significant number were either indifferent or supported his removal.

Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, shared these insights in a Facebook post on Saturday, March 29. He stated,

“Nearly 3 in 4 voters rate Dr Akufo Dampare’s performance very high during the election, but only 1 in 5 oppose his sacking.”

The survey’s results have sparked discussions on the reasons behind Dampare’s removal, despite his widely acknowledged professionalism.

Some analysts believe political considerations may have played a role, while others argue it reflects a broader issue of leadership transitions in key state institutions.

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It was supposed to be a heart-rending moment for Dr Bawumia, but he turned it into a moment of triumph—not just for himself but for his nation, the continent and democracy.

Dr Bawumia shocked many in the country and across the world—including some in his own team—when he delivered what has been widely considered one of the earliest concession speeches in Ghanaian, African and global democracy.

In doing so he did not only unofficially signal a denouement to the fierce and hotly contested election between him and his opponent but curtailed what many saw as a potentially volatile situation in the aftermath of the ballot casting process. Considering the all too known history of post-election violence in Africa and across the world, this singular act by Dr Bawumia was roundly commended.

The United Nations called Dr Bawumia’s actions “a significant example for African leaders to prioritise peace over actions that create tension” (UN Secretary General’s special Representative Leonar¬do Santos Simão).

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, H.E. Charles Abani, visited Dr Bawumia to express his appreciation for his early concession and the concomitant contributions to peace and democracy in Ghana.

The Diplomatic community in Ghana lauded the former Vice President for his statesmanship and respect for democratic values following his early concession.

In a letter signed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the diplomats stated that Dr Bawumia’s unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, especially through your honourable concession in the recent elections, stands as a testament to your statesmanship and love for this nation. In moments of political transition, it is the strength of character and respect for the democratic process that define a leader.”

President John Mahama acknowledged the significance of Dr Bawumia’s actions, stating that they contributed to “fostering peace during a crucial moment for the country.” NDC top official and Director of Communications, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, called it “an exceptional display of statesmanship”. So, what lessons can we learn from his concession, and what significance does it hold?

It’s okay not to win

“More wins” is the common mantra these days. Of course, as humans, generally, winning is the desired outcome for most endeavours, but the deeper lesson from Dr Bawumia’s actions shows that sometimes you can win by losing.

Inasmuch as most of us hope for wins, the lesson here is that failure is part of life. In fact, there would be nothing like victory if there were no failure.

And so what Bawumia demonstrates for all of us, especially the youth, is that sometimes, it is okay to fail. It builds resilience, fortitude and emotional intelligence for even greater wins at a mandated time.

Without certain failures, there wouldn’t be victory at all. Yet the fear of failure has crippled many, destroyed lives and prematurely curtailed destinies.

By openly, readily and speedily accepting the electoral outcome, Dr Bawumia demonstrated his true character: humble, peaceable, conciliatory, mature and wise. He has shown that there is no shame in failure and that out of the shrubs and ashes of defeat, beauty can emerge.

Democratic Advancement

Everywhere you turned, nationally and internationally, one of the biggest conversations was about how Dr Bawumia’s early concession entrenched and enhanced democracy in Africa.

With the albatross of post-election conflict ravaging certain nations and the sword of Damocles hovering heavily in the air, Dr Bawumia’s gestures pre-empted any unforeseen calamities and calmed the atmosphere.

Still, the unprecedented cacophony and violence that surrounded the declaration of parliamentary results brought many to the realization of how ominous things may have turned. And perhaps dented Ghana’s democratic image as a haven of peace and stability.

The smooth presidential transition accelerated by a swift and unequivocal concession was therefore roundly applauded.

The Nigerian media and blogosphere, for instance, couldn’t have enough of it. All over the Internet, especially on social media, content after content, video after video, text after text, rushed to commend Ghana for flying the flag of Africa high, often comparing it to their situation.

This was undoubtedly a Ghanaian moment. However it was also a genuine celebration of democracy, national pride and continental glory.

Ethical Leadership

It is often said that the truest test of a man’s character is what he does when he’s down. Martin Luther King once said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

According to Mihelic, Lipicnik, and Metka Tekavcic (2010), “Ethical leaders think about long-term consequences, drawbacks and benefits of the decisions they make in the organization.

They are humble, concerned for the greater good, strive for fairness, take responsibility and show respect for each individual.”

These are all leadership lessons we can learn from. They are qualities that we can infer from the action Dr Bawumia took: thinking about the greater good of the nation, shunning long-drawn litigation, and showing humility and respect for the electoral process.

In doing this, he has won the respect of many across the globe, including those who didn’t necessarily vote for him. He has established himself as a leader with integrity.

Data, technology and the future

One of the major themes that dominated the conversation after Dr Bawumia’s concession was the speed and precision with which it was done, underpinned by data, technology and projections.

It shows that to succeed in the contemporary era, the ability to curate, mine and make projections based on accurate data is the way to go. The days of haphazard, erratic, wishy washy, propagandists and spurious assertions are over. It demonstrates that democracy does not happen in a vacuum but rather is essentialized through concrete, substantive data visualisations, technological input and intelligent analytics. This is the future of campaigns, policy making and democracy.

Conclusion

Dr Bawumia may have lost the presidency, but what he has gained because of his swift, decisive and full-throated concession is priceless.

He put the national interest above personal ambition and in doing so, demonstrated a powerful model of exemplary, principled, humane, and courageous leadership that will inspire generations to come.

Initially, the submission was scheduled for April 1 to April 4, 2025, but has now been changed to Monday, April 7, to Thursday, April 10, 2025.

In a statement, the electoral body explained this change is in line with the declaration of Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as a public holiday.

However, the time and venues for submitting nominations remain unchanged, and the EC urges the public and all prospective candidates to take note of the new dates.

The election has also been set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, are in line with the District Level Elections Regulations, 2015 (C.I. 89).

The process aims to elect new Assembly and Unit Committee Members following the expiration of their terms.

Additionally, by-elections will be held on the same day to fill vacancies left by the resignation or passing of some Assembly Members.

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Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Thursday, March 20, She stated that she would not consider running for the seat again unless convinced by her father.

Reflecting on her time as the MP for the constituency, she admitted the difficulties she encountered had left her disillusioned with the idea of returning to the position.

“Considering what I have been through, considering how I have been treated in the constituency despite my devotions, despite my sacrifices, despite my hard work, how I have been treated, I don’t think so, I won’t. It will take my father to change my mind, I have done 12 years and I left a good legacy in the constituency, I will not contest Dome Kwabenya,” she said.

The NPP, represented by Mike Oquaye Jr. lost the traditional NPP seat to the NDC in the last election in 2024.

However, while she ruled out the prospect of rejoining the race for Dome Kwabenya, the former MP did not shy away from sharing her future aspirations.

She revealed her ambition to achieve higher political leadership, stating her goal to either become the first female president of Ghana or serve as Speaker of Parliament.

“I am moving forward, I am looking at other bigger things,” she said.

“Like the presidency”? The Host, Elton John Brobbey asked. She responded, “Yes one day, not now, I am looking at speakership, yes. I am looking at higher challenges and opportunities” she emphasised.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse show on Thursday, March 20, she shared her reasons for opposing the levy, emphasising how it failed to serve its intended purpose and ultimately burdened ordinary Ghanaians.

“I didn’t vote for the e-levy, and I have no regrets about my decision,” she explained. “I refrained from supporting it because I believed it wouldn’t benefit the people of Ghana. Instead, it would take away from their already limited resources, especially the most vulnerable members of society.”

“Ghanaians voted against us partly because of the E-levy,” she said.

She also highlighted how the e-levy negatively impacted those in low-paying jobs, particularly people who relied on mobile money [MoMo] to send funds to their families in rural areas.

“Individuals who were most affected were those working in low-paying jobs, who relied on sending money back to their families in the villages. These individuals were already struggling, and the e-levy took away the little they had. It was a tax on their hard-earned money, further deepening their difficulties,” she added.

Adwoa Safo also pointed out the contradiction between the government’s promises and the reality.

“We were told that by introducing the e-levy, Ghana could avoid going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, in the end, we still ended up seeking IMF support. Despite implementing this tax, the government was unable to avoid the very financial assistance it promised we could manage without.”

Referring to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 election manifesto, in which he promised to remove the e-levy if elected, Adwoa Safo expressed a sense of vindication.

“I feel vindicated,” she said. “If the e-levy was truly a good tax, why did we still end up at the IMF? How can we justify taxing those who are already struggling, especially when it didn’t even prevent us from seeking IMF support?”.

Adwoa Safo concluded by reiterating that the e-levy failed to achieve its intended objectives and, instead, placed an additional burden on the very people it was meant to help.

“It just didn’t make sense,” she said. “The e-levy hurt ordinary Ghanaians, and in the end, it didn’t achieve what it promised.”

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According to her, the committee was deliberately formed to push a specific agenda rather than conduct an impartial fact-finding mission.

“It is a very bogus committee. A committee that is put together just to find certain facts and push a particular candidate away from the candidacy so that we can bring our own you call that a credible fact-finding committee?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo particularly took issue with the choice of Prof Mike Oquaye as the committee’s chair, citing a conflict of interest. She challenged him to explain why his son, Mike Oquaye Junior lost the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat before passing judgment on the party’s defeat.

“If Prof Mike Oquaye thinks he has integrity and credibility, I want to see the first page of his fact-finding report explaining why his son Mike Oquaye Junior lost the Dome-Kwabenya seat. If he does that with transparency, without bias or prejudice, then I will accept any findings he presents against Dr Bawumia. Otherwise, that report will not hold in this party,” she said.

She argued that the party should have chosen a more neutral and experienced figure to lead the committee.

“His son has lost, and you think he is the best person to lead a fact-finding committee that includes that very constituency? Why not choose an independent person? Couldn’t we find anyone else in the party to chair it?” she asked.

The former MP also rejected any attempt to blame the party’s defeat solely on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, suggesting that the process was being manipulated to discredit him.

“We know what we know, and we have heard what we’ve heard. He shouldn’t come and tell us that we should blame everything on Bawumia because Ghanaians don’t want him and that we won’t market him again,” she stated.

She further pointed out that a separate election review report from the Ashanti Region did not blame Bawumia for the party’s loss, arguing that a more experienced individual like Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu should have been tasked with leading the investigation.

“The Ashanti report does not blame Bawumia for the party’s defeat, and that is a credible report. Why couldn’t the same person have done this work for the party? Who has more parliamentary and electoral experience than Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo warned that if the committee’s findings were politically motivated, it would undermine the NPP’s chances of rebuilding and recapturing power.

“If this report is manipulated, it means we are not serious about rebuilding, regrouping, or recapturing power,” she said.

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Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu made this assertion in an interview with Nhyira FM while reflecting on the NPP’s significant electoral loss.

As chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee, he admitted that Dr. Bawumia’s campaign lacked the expected enthusiasm.

However, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Aboagye strongly disagreed.

“It is his view, but I disagree because every election has its dynamics, and I don’t know the basis of his position. I haven’t heard him say that, but if he did, then respectfully, I disagree; I don’t share his view. That cannot represent anything,” he stated.

Dr. Bawumia polled 4,877,611 votes (41.75%) in the election, while his main contender, John Mahama, secured 6,591,790 votes (56.42%).

Findings from the Ashanti Region highlighted key factors contributing to the NPP’s loss, including the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders, which affected grassroots mobilisation, and prevailing economic hardships that eroded public confidence.

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According to her, the party failed to address the pressing concerns of Ghanaians, which ultimately led to its defeat.

“Governance and elections are like studying for an exam. If governance is good, the results will be positive and vice versa. If we had been careful, we wouldn’t have experienced what happened to us,” she said.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo noted that at some point, the NPP disregarded the concerns of the people, making it evident to politically analytical minds that victory was unlikely.

“In politics, when you fail to listen to the people, the consequences are clear. If you assess the situation critically, you will know it would have taken a miracle for us to win the election,” she added.

She, however, defended the party’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, insisting that he should not be blamed for the electoral defeat.

“Because he wasn’t the President then, though part of the government, there was little he could do. When he raised issues, not everything was acted upon,” she explained.

The former Gender Minister also expressed disappointment over the state of road infrastructure in the Ashanti Region, which is considered the party’s stronghold.

“I was disappointed with the nature of roads during the campaign. At a point, the bus couldn’t ply the roads, so we had to use Land Cruisers—yet we call it our stronghold. We don’t need a soothsayer to tell us to develop the Ashanti Region, which is our base,” she stated.

Despite these challenges, Adwoa Safo expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, describing him as the right choice for the party moving forward.

Her comments come at a time when the NPP is still awaiting the findings of the Prof. Mike Oquaye-led committee investigating the causes of the electoral defeat.

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According to her, this was the price she had to pay due to the controversies surrounding her absence.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, she stated that an impression was created that she had not been fair to the party.

“That’s what I think the party misunderstood me on and decided to punish me, and that cost me my primaries,” she said.

Adwoa Safo bemoaned that all her years of dedicated service should have counted for something, especially after her public apology. However, she noted that the damage had already been done, creating disaffection for her.

She further claimed that the candidate elected by the party was not the preferred choice of many, which led to the NPP losing the Dome-Kwabenya seat in the 2024 general election.

“That is why I stated earlier that we have fewer female lawmakers in Parliament,” she remarked, suggesting that her treatment might be part of a broader issue affecting women in politics.

Miss Safo, a three-term MP who was confident about her re-election, lost her seat in the primaries held on January 27, 2024, to her main contender, former Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Michael Oquaye Jr.

The former Gender Minister secured 326 votes, while Mr. Oquaye won by a landslide with 1,104 votes.

An underdog in the race, Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady, obtained 186 votes.

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In an interview with Nhyira FM, the chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee reflected on findings from the Ashanti Region regarding the party’s significant loss.

He noted that in previous elections, large crowds would gather in towns and cities to show support, but this was notably absent in 2024.

“I started seeing signs that the election would not be easy, but we still hoped for a better outcome. The fact that the elections were held in December allowed us to regain some support.

“If they had been conducted in August, Dr. Bawumia would have polled around 30% against John Mahama because, at that time, economic hardships were severe.

“However, conditions improved as we approached the elections, including the economic situation,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia polled 4,877,611 votes (41.75%) against his main contender, John Mahama, who garnered 6,591,790 (56.42%).

Findings from the Ashanti Region highlighted key factors contributing to the NPP’s defeat, including the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders, which affected grassroots mobilisation, and prevailing economic hardships that eroded public confidence.

According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, President Akufo-Addo had been cautioned in 2017 by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II about the dangers of allowing Ghanaians to become “hungry and angry.”

He noted that this warning was ignored, and economic struggles following COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the party’s fortunes.

Additionally, perceptions of corruption, President Akufo-Addo’s leadership style—viewed as rigid and single-minded—and accusations that the government was controlled by his family further alienated voters.

There were also concerns that Dr. Bawumia was too closely associated with the President and, being a Mamprusi, was linked to conflicts in the North, particularly in Bawku.

Another major concern was the perception that the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold of the NPP, had been neglected in terms of infrastructure development, creating a disconnect between the regional and constituency levels of the party.

Despite these challenges, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed that many NPP supporters were open about their grievances and indicated that they would return if necessary changes were made.

Regarding the party’s future leadership, he stated that while former President Akufo-Addo was no longer the party leader, any potential flagbearer would need to build upon his legacy.

As for whether Dr. Bawumia should continue as the party’s leader, he said this would depend on findings from the other 15 regions.

“So far, respondents in the Ashanti Region have said the loss was not related to Bawumia’s religion or ethnicity.

“We are waiting to hear from the other regions on his candidature. If there is a consensus, that will guide our decision moving forward.”

On Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh’s selection as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that while many people had urged him to take the position, he declined.

He noted that Dr. Bawumia preferred a running mate from the Ashanti Region with parliamentary experience, making Opoku-Prempeh a strategic choice.

“Napo is an experienced MP, and his age made him a viable successor should Dr. Bawumia complete two terms.

“His selection was also aimed at bridging the divide within the party between the Kufuor/Kyerematen and Akufo-Addo/Adu Boahen factions. While there were expectations that he would energise the youth vote, that did not materialise.”

Ultimately, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the future of Dr. Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer and his choice of running mate would depend on the findings from the remaining regions.

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According to the former Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), several party members who believe in his leadership have urged him to run.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Boadu revealed he is giving serious thought to the suggestion.

“There are a lot of proposals for me. Some believe that with the level I have reached and my background, if I provide guidance to the other executives as Chairman, it will be worth it. So when it happens that way, I will consider,” he stated.

Mr. Boadu emphasized his qualifications for the role, adding that few could match his sacrifices and experience in the party.

He further disclosed that while some people have suggested he re-contest for the General Secretary position, he has ruled it out entirely.

“I am tired of the General Secretary role, and the insults are too much,” he added.

John Boadu has risen through the ranks of the NPP, starting as a polling station chairman and later serving as General Secretary. He is also the longest-serving officer at the NPP headquarters.

In 2022, he sought reelection but lost to his successor, Justin Frimpong Koduah.

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Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has credited the party’s success in the 2020 election to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Boadu explained that retaining power as a sitting government is no easy feat, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 crisis.

He pointed out that, despite the global hardship, the NPP was able to navigate through successfully.

“Ask yourself why no sitting government’s party won the election during the 2020 election, and if there were any hardship, it was the government that is to be blamed,” Boadu said, emphasizing Akufo-Addo’s leadership during the pandemic.

Boadu acknowledged that while the NPP faced some challenges, particularly a reduction in parliamentary seats, the party still performed admirably.

“Even though our parliamentary number reduced, our party members did extremely well during the 2020 elections,” he noted.

He concluded by stating that, despite the hurdles, the NPP benefited greatly from the strong management of the COVID-19 crisis by Akufo-Addo.

“We were also lucky because Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo managed the COVID situation excellently,” he added.

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The report, particularly from the Ashanti Region, has sparked significant controversy.

Boadu emphasized that it was improper for any particular region to conduct its own fact-finding mission, as the national secretariat had already appointed a committee for such purposes.

However, he acknowledged that while regions or constituencies are free to conduct their own research, the findings must remain internal and not be shared publicly.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Boadu stated, “You can’t stop people from examining themselves, but it should be internal. We should stop the mass distribution.”

He also cautioned against defending the public release of the report, stressing that it was poorly managed. “We should admit we made a mistake which would not repeat itself and move on,” he added.

The report, which has been at the center of much debate, attributed the NPP’s poor performance, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to the leadership style of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

It described the leadership as rigid, single-minded, and overly influenced by family members. Additionally, the report criticized the party’s process for selecting presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives.

The committee collected insights from respondents across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, including a wide range of people such as ‘trotro’ and taxi drivers, market women, traders, business owners, artisans, youth groups, teachers, doctors, and other professionals.

In response to the mixed reactions over the report’s contents, former Majority Leader and Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who led the committee, clarified that the report had been leaked by unknown individuals.

He insisted that the committee never intended to make the report public and had no intention of tarnishing anyone’s reputation.

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President John Mahama has, for the first time, opened up about former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s congratulatory call following his victory in the 2024 elections.

According to him, he was asleep when the concession and congratulatory call came through.

The President recounted the profound moment during a fellowship with the clergy in Kumasi on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

He disclosed that he woke up after his aides informed him that he had an important call.

Confused by the urgency, he asked who wanted to speak to him, only to be told that it was his “brother,” the Vice President. He quickly freshened up before taking the call.

The President acknowledged that he had not anticipated such an early concession, as Ghanaians were still awaiting official results from the Electoral Commission (EC).

Mr. Mahama testified that Dr. Bawumia displayed statesmanship and humility in his words.

Dr. Bawumia, on December 8, 2024, conceded defeat—a move that earned him praise and admiration from many.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate stated that his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid further tensions and ensure peace in the country.

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The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, made this known at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held at the EC’s corporate office in Accra last Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by political party representatives, civil society organisations, the media and state institutions, with the aim of rekindling cooperation and collaboration between the EC and its stakeholders.

Mrs Mensa said the meeting with the two parties was expected to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion on the matter and bring a finality to it.

“We will have an in-depth meeting to discuss it,” the EC Chairperson said.

However, no specific date has been set for the meeting.

Background

The Ablekuma North Constituency election result has delayed due to the incomplete results sheets from some polling stations.

That notwithstanding, the commission has been working tirelessly to finalise the results, which have been plagued by delays and disagreements.

The process has been suspended seven times, including January 8, 2025, when the Returning Officer resigned over a dispute about the authentication of pink sheets.

Since then, tension has been high in the constituency, with supporters of the NDC and NPP clashing over the results.

The NDC claims their candidate, Ewurabena Aubyn, won the parliamentary contest while the NPP insists its candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, won it.

In the heat of the contention, both parties have mounted billboards in the constituency to thank the electorate in the constituency for their votes.

Ablekuma North Constituency, with a total of 281 polling stations, has verified results from 278 polling stations.

The outstanding three polling stations have become points of contention between the NDC and the NPP.

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As part of his support, he made an undisclosed financial donation to assist the group’s activities and committed to funding TESCON branches across the country.

He reaffirmed this commitment when he visited TESCON members at the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani, Bono Region, later that day.

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Dr. Wuaku claimed that the election was neither free nor fair, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives of openly supporting a single candidate and blocking other contenders from engaging with delegates.

He described the situation as a manipulated process designed to influence the outcome, lamenting that some NDC-affiliated individuals actively obstructed him from sharing his message with voters.

“Third-party executive meeting delegates in the night. I went there, now closed-door party. Some boys called the third-party organizers prevented a candidate from having access to the information you are giving to delegates. What is that?” Dr. Wuaku questioned.

The alleged interference extended beyond party executives, as Dr. Wuaku also accused security forces and government officials of playing a role in the manipulation.

He recounted a situation where the regional police command sought clarification from a minister, only for the minister to give conflicting accounts.

“When the police command called the minister, he said a different thing. When I met him, he said a different thing. Why should we call this an election? This is not an election,” he argued.

His claims gained weight after NDC Regional Secretary Bright Egeh confirmed the party’s vested interest in the election outcome, stating, “Yes, the executives have an interest, and we are doing everything possible to make our candidate win.”

This revelation has raised concerns about the credibility of the election process, with political analysts and civil society groups calling for an independent investigation into the allegations.

Critics argue that political party interference in the Council of State election undermines the institution’s intended purpose of providing non-partisan advice to the presidency.

In response, Dr. Wuaku is urging traditional leaders, assembly members, and the people of the Volta Region to hold their representatives accountable, warning that such interference could set a dangerous precedent for governance.

“I am calling on you to hold your representatives responsible for this kind of decision to send our region back,” he declared.

Despite his disappointment, Dr. Wuaku reaffirmed his commitment to national development, stating, “I will work hard to develop Ghana. I will develop Ghana. I will showcase my works to Ghanaians, and everybody will see that when you elect the right person, you have the right people. But when you elect the wrong people, everybody will suffer.”

His remarks highlight broader concerns about political manipulation in Ghana’s elections. With mounting pressure from stakeholders, the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities may soon be forced to address the conduct of the Volta Region Council of State election.

The controversy continues, raising questions about whether the election was about true representation or political loyalty.

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According to him, the party must focus on rebuilding instead of jostling for internal positions, which may lead to conflicts.

“People are all over blaming others for what went wrong. Big party people go on platforms and say all sorts of things. Who are we talking to? Do we think people are not listening and won’t use it against us? It is just like when you are under arrest; we should remember that whatever we say will be used against us in 2028,” he cautioned.

Mr. Nitiwul, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla, was speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

“What helped the NDC is that they had just one person, and they all united and rallied behind him. As a party in opposition, there weren’t many allegations against him, unlike the NPP, whose appointees were accused of stealing and other wrongdoings,” he said.

Acknowledging that the NPP suffered from voter apathy in the 2024 election, Mr. Nitiwul noted that it was due to several factors and not just disaffection toward the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

“The seat of apathy was a combination of several factors—behavior of appointees, internal elections, actions of government, among others,” he stated.

Despite the NPP’s shocking defeat in the election, the MP said the party should be grateful to its members.

“They probably refused to go and vote because they do not like Mahama as a person or the NDC, and that is good for us.

“So we should do our homework well, talk to our people, and stop destroying each other one month after an election. Where are we rushing to, and what are we looking for?” he quizzed.

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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legon Cities garnered 16 out of 18 total votes cast, solidifying his mandate to continue serving the interests of the region.

Mr. Atikpo defeated seven other aspirants, including former Deputy Minister for the Volta and Oti Regions and seasoned educationist Maxwell Quophy Blagodzi, in the election held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Atikpo’s re-election is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the people he represents.

His tenure has been marked by a focus on community development, advocacy for local issues, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders.

Some assembly members from the nine districts and municipalities expressed confidence in his ability to address their concerns effectively.

The Council of State plays a crucial role in advising the President of Ghana on matters of national importance, and Atikpo’s experience and insights will undoubtedly contribute to the council’s effectiveness.

His retention is seen as a positive step for the Oti Region, as he brings continuity and stability to the council’s operations.

As Atikpo embarks on another term, expectations are high for him to continue championing the needs of his constituents and working towards the sustainable development of the Oti Region.

His leadership will be pivotal in navigating challenges ahead and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard at the national level.

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Speaking in an interview with Adom News, he emphasized that the Council of State plays a crucial role in advising the President and influencing national policy decisions.

According to him, the region needs a representative who can effectively lobby for its interests and ensure that its concerns are heard at the national level.

He highlighted that the Council of State is not just a ceremonial body but is instrumental in shaping the country’s future.

Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Guan MP Fred Agbanyo reinforced the call for diligence in the selection process.

He noted that the future of Oti depends on the collective decision made by the delegates.

Mr. Agbanyo urged delegates to choose wisely, as their decision will influence the region’s development and welfare.

The Electoral Commission (EC) is currently conducting the Council of State election in all 16 regions.

A total of 155 aspirants—145 males and 10 females—are contesting, with 522 delegates expected to participate.

Eight candidates, including Richard Kings Atikpo, CEO of Legon Cities, are vying for the position in the Oti Region.

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At a brief inspection of the election venue at the Banquet Hall of the Regional Coordinating Council, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Adu, the Central Regional Police Commander, told the Ghana News Agency that the police would ensure adequate security for all.

DCOP Adu emphasized that there would be zero tolerance for violence, assuring that the police would strictly enforce the law to guarantee a peaceful election.

According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State is mandated “to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” Articles 89 to 92 establish the Council of State and outline its composition and duties.

Its members include a former Chief Justice, a former Chief of Defence Staff, and a former Inspector-General of Police, each appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament.

Other members are the President of the National House of Chiefs, one representative from each region to be elected on Tuesday, and 11 other members appointed by the President.

Ten candidates are contesting for the position to represent the Central Region.

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She insists that she legitimately won the 2024 parliamentary elections in the constituency and is prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that her mandate is upheld.

Ms. Aubynn has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of conspiring with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to manipulate election results by fabricating pink sheets.

She also expressed strong opposition to the proposed electronic collation of results, arguing that the process must be transparent and fair.

“Remaining silent does not mean one is weak. If those in authority choose to fight, then I am ready to fight this battle as well,” she declared during a public gathering.

Her remarks were made during a vigil organized by NDC members and supporters on February 9, 2025, to protest the prolonged delay in announcing the parliamentary results for the constituency.

Clad in black, protesters assembled at the forecourt of the Kwashieman Chiefs Palace, using the event as an avenue to express their frustration over the electoral process and what they perceive as attempts to subvert the will of the people.

The delay in the collation process stems from an incident on January 17, 2025, when the process was abruptly suspended following alleged acts of vandalism.

Reports suggest that over 40 individuals, believed to be aligned with the NDC, stormed the collation centre at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC, forcibly disrupted proceedings, and caused damage to property, including doors and window louvre blades.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding due process.

The Commission maintains that it remains an independent body and will follow the necessary legal procedures before officially declaring the results.

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Amos Blessing stressed the importance of vigilance and self-defence in protecting their votes during the parliamentary election, asserting that any attempts to manipulate the results would not be tolerated.

His remarks were made in response to a one-week ultimatum issued by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP and Minority Chief Whip, who demanded that the Electoral Commission (EC) declare the parliamentary results for the constituency.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also warned that the NPP would disrupt parliamentary proceedings until the results were announced, heightening tensions between the two political parties.

Addressing supporters at an NDC vigil in Ablekuma North on 9 February, Amos Blessing criticised the police for their silence regarding Annoh-Dompreh’s comments.

He suggested that if security forces failed to intervene, NDC members had the right to defend themselves. He emphasised that no political party should be allowed to intimidate the other or interfere with the legitimate outcome of the election.

He further warned that the NDC would take all necessary measures to secure victory in Ablekuma North, highlighting that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) must act decisively to maintain law and order.

“If things escalate, the IGP will come to his senses and realise that the law must deal with individuals who misbehave, regardless of their political affiliation or status,” he stated.

Amos Blessing concluded by urging party supporters to remain resolute, emphasising the need to safeguard the election process.

He alleged that Annoh-Dompreh had incited NPP supporters to attack NDC members and, in response, called on NDC members to be prepared to defend themselves.

“If you go home and see any NPP member, consider him an adversary and protect yourself,” he declared, reinforcing the charged political atmosphere in the constituency.

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Madam Esi Dentaa Yankah, the Principal State Attorney (PSA), said the basis for the motion was that Latif Oshenu, the fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial, during his cross-examination, notified the court of a page that was omitted in an exhibit he had tendered into evidence.

The MP for Assin North is facing five charges: deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport or travel certificates, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office.

He has since pleaded not guilty and has been granted bail.

Madam Yankah said the witness sought to refer to the omitted page but was unable to do so.

The prosecution sought for the witness to be recalled so the complete document could be placed before the court, enabling him to refer to it as he had sought to do during his testimony.

She prayed that the court exercise its discretion in their favor, as without it, the exhibit in its current form would be incomplete.

“We submit that the complete Exhibit P is what will enable the trial court to do justice in the case rather than the court referring to a clearly incomplete document, the construction of which might affect the trial judge’s ability to assess the absent page or otherwise,” she added.

The prosecution said a copy of the said exhibit had been attached to the affidavit in support of the motion, bearing in mind that Exhibit P before the court was a copy of the document the witness had tendered.

“We submit that these are exceptional circumstances that warrant the recall of a witness,” she said.

Tsatsu Tsikata, counsel for Mr. Quayson, said: “We indicated in our notice in response what we intend to do. We have not seen the original documents, so we are not opposed.”

He noted that when the State Attorney referred to a clearly incomplete document, that was what they had put in evidence. It was not as if someone had altered the document presented before the court.

The court, presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, said the omitted document was the parliamentary nomination form.

She stated that the prosecution should have attached the original document to the application, as mandated by the rules of the court.

The judge further noted that the prosecution had not followed the court’s orders to provide the accused with certain documents.

“The order is made again so that the prosecution provides the accused with those documents before the next adjourned date on February 12,” she added.

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He charged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand by their party members in confrontations with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“If the NDC, led by Mahama Ayariga, does not act reasonably and continues to prevent the EC from completing the collation, they will never know peace in Parliament,” he added.

He also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to intervene decisively against what he described as the NDC’s disruptive tactics.

“If the IGP also decides to look on unconcerned and allow these people to continue like this, we will continue to demonstrate,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh warned.

As the people of Ablekuma North await the official declaration from the EC, both the NPP and NDC candidates have mounted ‘thank you’ billboards in the area, each claiming victory.

Listen to Mr Annoh-Dompreh in the video above:

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However, before any official announcement, both candidates have put up billboards thanking voters for electing them.

Some residents have expressed concern about the situation, calling for patience to maintain peace.

“The NDC is claiming victory, and the NPP is also claiming victory, yet the final result has not been declared. We, the youth, want peace, so we appeal to them to exercise restraint. They are all saying ‘Thank You’ to voters when there is no declaration. We want them to wait for the EC to announce the results so that there will be peace,” one resident said.

Others believe the delay is not only causing political tension but also affecting development in the constituency.

“The EC must work on this and declare the winner so voters know who their leader is. When it comes to development, the elected MP lobbies the government for projects.

Right now, Ablekuma North does not know who to turn to, and that is not good for us,” another resident stated.

Meanwhile, the EC has not provided a timeline for resuming the collation process. Officials say they are waiting for security clearance from the Ghana Police Service before proceeding, but it remains unclear when that will happen.

The Ablekuma North Constituency is the only outstanding constituency from the December 7 election without a winner due to recurring disagreements.

Despite a re-collation exercise by the EC to determine the winner of the seat, the decision remains in limbo.

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In a Facebook video that has gone viral, the renowned preacher stated that God had shown him the numerous battles Asiedu Nketia had fought for the NDC, which, according to him, makes him the next presidential candidate spiritually.

“The sitting president should be careful and not live the life the other people lived. He should never forget those who stood for him, including leaders.

“When you look at the current government right now and look into the spiritual account, there is one who made Mahama become a flagbearer. It is one man who made sure power would be given to him. He decided to make him lead, and that is the Chairman of their party,” he stated.

Bishop Owusu further revealed that he had already foreseen this in a prophecy he made months ago.

“In November or October, I prophesied. I saw that when Mahama leaves, I saw in the realms that he will be the next flagbearer of their party. I saw the mantle with him. If John Dramani Mahama understands gratitude, honour, and loyalty, he must make sure the chairman, who has used all his life to sacrifice for the party, is given the mantle decided in heaven,” he stated.

He continued, “I prophesied. Last year, I saw that Asiedu Nketia will one day become president. The Lord told me to look at his hands and the battles he has fought. I said, wow! The video is there. If we are not careful, they will sabotage and forget him, and it might affect the party. The NDC party will start breaking just like the NPP.”

Nonetheless, Bishop Owusu’s prophecy has since generated widespread debate and Asiedu Nketia, a veteran politician and former General Secretary of the NDC, is yet to respond to the prophecy.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he argued that the allegations against the EC leadership are not strong enough to warrant their dismissal.

He emphasised the need to distinguish between personal opinions expressed before assuming office and their official conduct while in office.

Reacting to Mr Ofosu-Appiah’s claims that the EC used its discretion to disenfranchise residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) in the 2020 parliamentary elections, Ayikoi Otoo said, “I have looked at it, and I don’t think they meet the very serious issues that one would want to look at when we want to remove the EC. I don’t see any of those things as very serious.”

He pointed out that some of the claims against the EC officials stem from statements or actions they made before taking office.

“In your intro, you said that the things one of the deputies was alleged to have said were when he was exercising his academic freedom. You know, young men can take to doing all sorts of things, such as even experimenting with drugs. And then they grow up, they wean themselves off those things. They realize that it’s not the best. I mean, these are not things that ought to have engaged themselves. It doesn’t mean that they are forever barred from holding office or doing anything,” he stated.

Ayikoi Otoo likened such situations to individuals who express personal opinions before assuming sensitive positions, such as judges.

“Before he became a judge, he was a free individual. Now that he has become a judge and taken the oath, he says, ‘Look, I’m bound by my oath, and nobody can influence me. This is my decision. This is what I want to do.’ So, the things he said when exercising academic freedom, I think we should forget about it and concentrate on what they have done since they came to office.”

The former Attorney General also emphasised that the Chief Justice is the appropriate authority to determine whether the issues raised in the petition meet the threshold for removal.

“It is for the CJ to determine whether it can be said to be of any weight. From where I sit, I don’t see anything weighty enough to justify their removal,” he said.

On the disenfranchisement of SALL residents, Ayikoi Otoo acknowledged the frustration but maintained that the issue must be assessed within the broader context of administrative decisions.

He cautioned against using isolated incidents to conclude incompetence or misconduct.

“These are serious constitutional matters, and while people are entitled to seek redress, we must be careful not to rush into conclusions that undermine institutions,” he said.

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The visit to all 276 constituencies is to begin assessment of the party 2024 election performance.

In a statement, the Secretary of the Committee, William Yamoah explained they will engage stakeholders and conduct a comprehensive review.

The statement noted that the insights gained from these engagements would play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s future.

Meanwhile, to ensure an effective and efficient process, the committee has formed six teams, each assigned to specific regions.

These teams will meet with local party executives and other stakeholders to gather information and share insights on the party’s electoral performance.

Regional and Constituency Executive Committees have therefore been urged to support the process by securing appropriate venues for the meetings.

They are to ensure the attendance of relevant stakeholders, and providing constituency-specific data to aid the review process.

“Your cooperation and unwavering commitment to this process are critical to its success. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our party’s future,” the party added.

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According to him, no presidential candidate has won the general election on a first attempt and it’s only fair for Dr Bawumia to be given a second chance.

Mustapha said this on Asemp FM Ekosii Sen while commenting on the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 election.

He stated that the party did its best but it is unfortunate victory did not go in their favour.

“No candidate has gone on the first shot and won it. So Dr Bawumia still gives the NPP the best shot despite the outcome of the 2024 election.

“We have researched and doing a lot of work going forward. It is heartbreaking to lose an election but the courage to come back is what makes the difference,” he said.

Mustapha cited there are historic trends, citing former Presidents John Kufuor, Akufo-Addo late Atta Mills.

“Generally we did not perform. Can you imagine NPP losing Sekondi, Akrofrom, Adansi Asokwa? We only gained 7 seats in the Ashanti region. It is an abnormal election,” he stated.

President Mahama secured an overwhelming victory in the 2024 election with 6,328,397, constituting 56.55% while Dr Bawumia polled 4,657,304 votes, comprising 41.61%.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) not only secured the presidency but also achieved a commanding majority in Parliament, capturing over 180 seats, including key constituencies that were previously NPP strongholds.

The NPP has since attributed its defeat to low voter turnout and apathy among its supporters.

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According to the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, there were inexplicable occurrences on the day of the election that suggest a spiritual dimension to the outcome.

Mr. Kodua highlighted the unusually low voter turnout among NPP supporters across the country, a situation he believes cannot be explained by conventional means.

In an interview with Ashh FM, excerpts of which were shared by a Facebook user named Yaw Koshievi, he (Justin Kodua Frimpong) attributed the party’s poor performance in the elections to various factors, including spiritual influences.

“It was as though our members decided not to vote,” he remarked. “In all sixteen regions, it was as if NPP supporters had made an agreement not to cast their votes. This is highly unusual and cannot be attributed to regular political reasons.”

During the interview, Kodua expressed concern that some pastors who traditionally offer spiritual support to the NPP had withdrawn their backing due to internal tensions and anger.

“I appeal to the pastors who intercede for us,” he said. “A lot of spiritual machinations occurred ahead of the 2024 elections. Things took place in the spiritual realm, which I believe influenced the outcome. Many pastors and women of prayer, who should have been praying for us, withheld their support because of anger, and that definitely impacted the results.”

Rev. Owusu Bempah, a well-known prophet and previous NPP supporter, had publicly prophesied that the party would suffer a major defeat, even going so far as to claim that spiritual forces would ensure the party’s defeat.

His prediction came true with the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, winning the election by a significant margin.

The final results of the election, confirmed by the Electoral Commission on December 9, 2024, saw Mahama securing 6,328,397 votes, or 56.55% of the valid votes, while his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, received 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%.

The NDC also triumphed in parliamentary elections, claiming 183 seats to hand the NPP just 88 seats.

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In this regard, the EC has opened nominations for persons who wish to contest.

All interested persons, according to the EC, are expected to submit their nominations with two passport-size copies of recent photographs.

The Commission, in a statement, said the applicants are to submit the applications from January 28 to January 31, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm to their Regional Directors.

The forms can be downloaded at the Commission’s website, www.ec.gov.gh free of charge.

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Read the full statement below:

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According to a press release from the two organizations, the successful transition demonstrated the resilience and maturity of Ghana’s political system in maintaining stability and unity despite potential challenges.

“The early concession of defeat by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, helped prevent tensions and violence,” the statement noted. Similarly, the release highlighted President John Mahama’s call on his supporters to refrain from attacking public installations, emphasizing that such actions underscored the leaders’ commitment to democratic progress and national unity.

However, IDEG and CFI believe it is crucial to reflect on certain negative incidents that nearly disrupted the country’s peace during the election transition phase.

“Despite the goodwill shown by the leaders of the two major political parties, we must address the major incidents of post-election violence, such as organized hooliganism, raids, arson of state property, and other disruptive acts by party loyalists,” the statement said.

A particular concern raised by IDEG and CFI is the tense and chaotic re-collation of parliamentary results in nine constituencies, with special mention of the unresolved situation at Ablekuma North.

The release stressed that these challenges highlight “the urgent need for targeted interventions to resolve disputes related to the collation and declaration of parliamentary election results.”

The organizations warned that if such lawless acts are left unchecked, they could pose serious risks to Ghana’s political stability and security in the future.

To prevent a recurrence of such disruptions, IDEG and CFI called on law enforcement agencies, particularly the Attorney General’s Department and the Ghana Police Service, to take swift action. “Perpetrators must be arrested, and due process followed to its conclusive end, to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders,” the statement urged.

The organizations also appealed to political parties to work closely with the Electoral Commission to prevent tensions and delays associated with the collation of election results.

“Political parties must cooperate with the Electoral Commission to ensure that the tensions and delays experienced in the collation process do not reoccur in future elections,” they stated.

Furthermore, the press release called on key stakeholders—including political party leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and traditional and religious leaders—to intensify efforts to educate the public on transitional arrangements to promote peaceful conduct in the post-election period.

“Stakeholders must play their role in educating the citizenry to ensure peaceful transitions in future elections,” the statement highlighted.

IDEG and CFI reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to deepen dialogue, enhance civic education, and secure transformational reforms for national unity and stability.

“We will continue to work with political parties and civil society organizations to ensure transformational reforms that will contribute to national unity and stability,” the release concluded.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, the former NPP Youth Organizer emphasized that the report is not for public consumption, but rather to guide the party’s leadership in resolving internal issues.

“Let me limit people’s expectations here, Professor Mike Oquaye’s Committee report will not be made public for discussion. It is meant for the executives to know what went wrong, but not meant for the public to talk about,” Mr. Awuku told sit-in host, Akwasi Nsiah.

He further explained that after the report is submitted, the party hierarchy will implement its recommendations.

Mr. Awuku also appealed to party members who are upset over the defeat to be given the opportunity to express their frustrations. According to him, allowing these individuals to voice their concerns will aid in the healing process the party is currently undertaking.

“Sometimes, when people are angry and frustrated, you allow them to pour out their frustration. After that, they become free and open-minded and come on board to help you in whatever course is being undertaken,” he said.

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The incident occurred when the collation of parliamentary election results for the Ablekuma North Constituency was expected to resume.

Louvre blades and other properties at the EC’s old head office were destroyed by suspected thugs of the NDC.

In a statement, the EC alleged that the NDC official led the group in the invasion and vandalism.

The statement also reported the alarming presence of two unidentified individuals dressed in military attire during the chaos.

It added that staff at the New Corporate Head Office reported threats from the attackers, raising further concerns over their safety.

Expressing concern and disappointment in the lack of security support from the police, the EC bemoaned the incident has further delayed the collation and declaration of results for Ablekuma North.

Meanwhile, the Commission is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

 

 

 

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse Show, Dr. Tanko-Computer stressed that the EC must adhere to the legal proceedings currently before the courts.

This appeal follows the EC’s decision to suspend today’s collation for Ablekuma North due to disturbances caused by political party supporters at the Greater Accra Regional Collation Centre.

The unrest led to the temporary halt of the collation process, further delaying the declaration of results for the constituency.

Dr. Tanko-Computer expressed concern over the EC’s actions, questioning why there seemed to be a rush to bypass the legal process. “Whatever they are doing, they must proceed with caution,” he said. “Why the haste to circumvent the legal process? This is the issue we have with the EC. They must respect the legal process and refrain from taking actions that could undermine it.”

He also made it clear that the NDC will not accept the declaration of an “illegal” candidate as the winner for Ablekuma North. “We will not accept it, I can assure you, we will use every legal means available to challenge any illegalities in this electoral process,” he warned.

Ablekuma North remains the only constituency from the 7 December elections where a winner has not yet been declared, due to ongoing disputes over the results.

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According to him, Ghana found itself in a unique situation where, while former President Akufo-Addo was head of state, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) controlled the eighth parliament.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show, he criticized the lack of cooperation from the legislature, stating that Bagbin’s leadership failed to support the government in fulfilling its objectives.

“The NPP faced significant challenges because the 8th Parliament was not working in the best interests of the government. Bagbin, being an NDC member, led a parliament that never supported the former Akufo-Addo government, which created a difficult situation for the party and the nation,” he asserted.

Reflecting on events leading up to the 2024 election, Mr. Nyindam described the period as one filled with “disasters” that ultimately hurt the NPP’s chances.

Despite the NPP’s loss, he remains optimistic about its future, stating that the NPP is still a strong party.

The MP also took the opportunity to defend Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate.

He argued that Dr. Bawumia should not be blamed for the party’s defeat, emphasizing that the challenges faced by the NPP were largely external.

“The elections were not about Dr. Bawumia. The election was about the party as a whole, and it was external factors that affected our chances,” he added.

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The survey, which sought public views on factors contributing to the NPP’s shocking loss, revealed that the majority of respondents blamed former President Akufo-Addo, citing his government’s harsh economic policies, nepotism, corruption, and the arrogance of some of his appointees as key reasons for the party’s defeat in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Akufo-Addo to Blame
The most common sentiment expressed by respondents was criticism of former President Akufo-Addo, who was widely accused of failing to take adequate action, ultimately causing the NPP’s flagbearer and parliamentary candidates to suffer for his administration’s shortcomings.

Many respondents particularly criticized the former President for endorsing harsh and insensitive economic policies such as the e-levy, betting tax, COVID-19 levy, and poor debt management strategies.

Additionally, he was accused of shielding his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, despite widespread criticism of his handling of the economy. Respondents highlighted that his delayed removal was perceived as a failure in leadership.

Nana Akufo-Addo was also criticized for his perceived arrogance, with many referring to instances where he reportedly instructed chiefs to stand to greet him, an action which some respondents felt disrespected traditional authorities and angered the electorate.

Several respondents further accused the former President of causing apathy within the NPP by refusing to heed internal advice and make timely changes in his government. This, they said, denied opportunities to deserving party members and created dissatisfaction among the grassroots.

The refusal to remove Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister, despite overwhelming calls from NPP MPs and ordinary Ghanaians, was cited as evidence of his unresponsiveness to public concerns.

Exorbitant Taxes
Beyond personal criticism, many respondents slammed certain policies under Akufo-Addo’s administration, claiming they brought economic hardship on Ghanaians.

Central to their concerns were taxes such as the e-levy, COVID-19 levy, and the betting tax, along with the government’s debt management approach.

Both former President Akufo-Addo and ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta faced strong criticism for these policies, which were described as contributing significantly to the party’s unpopularity, even among its own supporters.

Arrogant Appointees, Corruption & the ‘Clearing Agent’ Tag
Some respondents also criticized government appointees, accusing them of being arrogant and inaccessible, which they argued alienated them from the electorate and caused further disaffection for the party.

Corruption was another major theme, with several respondents revisiting scandals from the Akufo-Addo administration. Many pointed to the former President’s reputation as a “clearing agent,” a nickname he earned for exonerating appointees accused of corruption without proper investigations.

Neglect of Strongholds
The survey further highlighted dissatisfaction with the Akufo-Addo government’s neglect of key projects, particularly in the party’s strongholds such as the Ashanti Region, as well as parts of the Western and Bono/Ahafo Regions.

In the Ashanti Region, many respondents faulted Akufo-Addo for failing to prioritize major projects, especially the Suame Interchange, which they believed could have boosted the party’s fortunes.

Conclusion
In summary, most respondents who participated in the Joy News survey attributed the NPP’s defeat to former President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, blaming his administration’s policies and actions for the loss of both Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the presidential race and the unprecedented defeat of numerous NPP parliamentary candidates across the country.

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Below are some of the comments:

The Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency, John Kwame Duodu, popularly known as “Sir John,” has called on members to accept responsibility for their poor performance in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Sir John urged the NPP to move away from blame games and introspectively address the internal mistakes that led to the Party’s defeat.

“The NPP’s failure in the 2024 General Election was a result of our own mistakes. It is about time the Party did a candid self-introspection and corrected these wrongs ahead of the 2028 elections,” he stated.

Self-reflection Over Blame

Sir John emphasised the need for the Party, especially its leadership, to acknowledge their shortcomings and focus on fostering unity.

He noted that leaders entrusted with key positions in the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia administration should take responsibility for their roles in the Party’s defeat rather than shifting the blame.

His remarks come amidst widespread post-election finger-pointing within the Party. “True growth and progress can only be achieved by acknowledging and learning from our past mistakes,” Sir John added.

Caution Against Early Declarations

The outspoken NPP leader criticised members who are prematurely declaring their intentions to run for various national, regional, and constituency positions.

“It’s premature for Party leaders, who ought to know better, to be focused on the positions they envisage occupying in the upcoming internal elections, instead of helping the healing and reorganisation process after our unprecedented defeat,” Sir John opined.

He stressed that rushing into leadership contests without first addressing the causes of the 2024 defeat would be counterproductive.

Sir John commended the establishment of regional reconciliation committees, describing them as essential for addressing internal rivalries and maintaining unity within the Party.

Commendation for Dr. Bawumia’s Statesmanship

Sir John praised the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his timely concession of defeat in the presidential election.

“Dr. Bawumia’s decision to concede early was a bold move, motivated by his desire to maintain peace and stability in Ghana,” Sir John remarked.

He urged politicians to emulate Dr. Bawumia’s statesmanship by prioritising the national interest over personal ambitions.

Gratitude to Campaign Teams

In concluding his statement, Sir John expressed deep appreciation to the Party’s campaign teams across all levels for their hard work and dedication.

He acknowledged their tireless efforts, stating, “Your commitment, perseverance, and sacrifices demonstrated the true spirit of the NPP, even in the face of an unexpected defeat.”

Sir John emphasised that the loyalty and hard work of the Party’s members form the backbone of the NPP and will be pivotal in rebuilding and repositioning the Party for future electoral success.

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The apology according to him particularly goes to all NPP members who are disappointed and fell bitter over certain actions and inactions.

Mr Kodua rendered the apology on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen while speaking on factors that caused the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 election.

He noted that it was able time the NPP accepts it disappointed some people who helped them to secure power in 2016 and 2020 but did not benefit in any way.

JFK as he is popularly known emphasised that the NPP must eat a humble pie and accept its shortcomings.

“On behalf of the party from former President Akufo-Addo, the national chairman and all of us, I apologise to the many Ghanaians who had high hopes, the businessmen, the people who sold their properties, those who adopted polling stations, lawyers who did research for us and were hoping to benefit, we must admit have not being fair to them.

“The contractors we failed to pay, our strongholds we abandoned, the schools and roads we failed to complete, on behalf of the party, I say we are sorry,” he said.

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Listen to JFK in the audio below:

This according to him stems from their defeat in the 2024 election as a ruling party.

In an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, JFK as he is popularly known disclosed he was dealing with a lot due to the electoral outcome.

But amidst his struggles, he looks up to God as he still cannot understand why the NPP lost and are yet to come to terms with it.

“As a party that lost an election, you are dealing with a lot psychologically, people saying all sort of things, the proposals and all reactions coming in is a lot but it is the works of God and He is the only one who understands and knows why things turned out this way,” he stated.

Mr Kodua noted he recognises and shares in the pain of the party supporters.

However, it was about time the party reflect on their defeat and learn lessons that will shape and guide them, leading to the 2028 election.

The NPP government failed in its bid for a third consecutive term in the December 7, 2024, general election.

The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a decisive victory, giving former president John Mahama a return to the presidency.

The party has since set up a committee to conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis of the party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The committee would engage with party stakeholders and the general public to identify the factors and circumstances that led to the loss.

It will also examine the need for constitutional amendments and restructuring of the party’s internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding the election of presidential and parliamentary candidates, as well as party executives.

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This assurance was given by the Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Mawutor Agbavitor, in response to concerns raised by party members and traditional leaders in the region.

In a statement issued by the chairman, he acknowledged the apprehensions expressed by the region’s chiefs and party faithful regarding their share of national appointments.

He reaffirmed that the NDC leadership is committed to rewarding the loyalty and contributions of the Volta Region, which remains a stronghold for the party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to make it clear that the Volta Region will be considered for appointments in the new NDC administration without fail,” Comrade Agbavitor stated emphatically.

Acknowledging Volta’s unwavering loyalty

The Volta Region has been pivotal to the NDC’s electoral success, delivering over 90% of the votes in the 2024 general elections.

The region achieved a clean sweep of all 18 parliamentary seats, including the strategic recapture of Hohoe. Additionally, the NPP’s influence in the region was reduced by 47%, significantly contributing to President Mahama’s emphatic victory.

“The President is fully aware of our unwavering loyalty and hard work. Our meaningful contributions shall be rewarded accordingly,” Agbavitor assured.

Call for restraint and unity

Despite the anticipation for appointments, Chairman Agbavitor appealed for patience and understanding among party members. He urged the rank and file of the NDC in the Volta Region to moderate their expectations while leadership works to ensure fair representation.

“While we look forward to other opportunities in appointments, I urge the rank and file of our party to exercise some restraint and be considerate in our expectations,” he advised.

Commitment to Volta’s progress

The Volta NDC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the interests of the region within the broader framework of national development. Chairman Agbavitor assured the people of continued advocacy to secure their rightful place in governance.

The statement underscores the NDC’s recognition of the Volta Region as a bastion of support and promises a collaborative approach to fulfilling campaign pledges.

About the NDC in Volta region

The NDC remains the dominant political force in the Volta Region, often referred to as the party’s “world bank” due to its consistent electoral support.

The region’s loyalty has been instrumental in securing victories in national elections, cementing its strategic importance in the party’s governance and policy agenda.

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During the 2020 elections, eight persons were reportedly killed from gunshots allegedly fired by military personnel at the Techiman South constituency in the Bono East Region.

A statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, and addressed to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) indicated that these incidents have left a lasting mark on the nation’s democratic process.

The statement underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families, demanding swift and transparent action.

As part of the investigation, the Presidency has proposed measures including the formation of a dedicated task force within the CID to focus solely on these cases.

Additionally, thorough interviews with eyewitnesses and victims’ families have been recommended to gather critical evidence.

The government also called for a review of electoral security arrangements to identify lapses and assign responsibilities during the affected periods.

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Read the full statement below:

A statement signed and issued by the Secretary to the committee, William Yamoah, said the primary objective of the committee was to “reposition the party for victory in 2028.”

The committee’s mandate includes conducting a comprehensive review of the party’s activities during the 2024 electoral cycle, analysing the root causes of the party’s performance and developing a strategic road map to rebrand the party for a decisive victory in the 2028 elections.

Approach

To achieve this, the committee will adopt a robust, data-driven approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

It said the committee would also engage with various stakeholders, including the former Presidents, past campaign management team members, religious leaders, youth and student groups, organised labour, traditional authorities and the grass-roots membership of the party.

“This rigorous and inclusive review process is designed to provide the party with a clear understanding of its challenges and opportunities. We are confident that these efforts will enable the party to recalibrate, strengthen its foundations, restore trust among its members and secure electoral victory in 2028,” the statement said.

The committee has urged party faithful, sympathisers and the public to share insights or information regarding factors that influenced the outcome of the 2024 election via email at yamolliam@gmail.com.

The Election Review Committee is chaired by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, and comprises eminent personalities from academia, politics and law.

They include Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, Prof. Kofi Osei Akuoko, Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi Kubi, Dr Felix Yamoah, Dr Joseph Agyapong Darmoe, F.F. Anto, Kwaku Domfe, Gifty Kusi, Abdulai Abanga and Seidu Nasigri.

Background

At a news conference held on December 23, 2024, at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, the NPP National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, announced the party’s intention to establish an election review committee in January 2025.

The purpose of the committee was to conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis of the party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The committee would engage with party stakeholders and the general public to identify the factors and circumstances that led to the loss.

It will also examine the need for constitutional amendments and restructuring of the party’s internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding the election of presidential and parliamentary candidates, as well as party executives.

At the party’s National Executive Committee meeting held in Accra on January 2, 2025, and chaired by Mr Ntim, the party announced the 11-member committee to investigate the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election with its chairperson as Prof. Oquaye, a former Speaker of Parliament.

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