A fact-finding report led by former Majority Leader Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has outlined the key factors behind the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) heavy defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The report attributes the party’s poor performance—particularly in the Ashanti Region—to the leadership style of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which was perceived as rigid, single-minded, and dominated by family members.
Additionally, the selection process for the party’s presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives was cited as a major issue affecting voter confidence.
Key Findings on Akufo-Addo’s Leadership
The report revealed that 87% of respondents believed former President Akufo-Addo was indifferent to public sentiments and concerns.
While his first-term leadership was praised as responsive and effective, many respondents noted that his second term was marked by rigidity, vindictiveness, and an unwillingness to reshuffle ministers—especially his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
This, they said, weakened confidence in his leadership and contributed to the party’s electoral decline.
Bawumia’s Struggles and the Party’s Delegate System
Another major factor identified was the perception of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as merely an extension of Akufo-Addo.
A striking 78% of respondents felt Dr Bawumia’s association with the former president made it difficult for him to present himself as an independent leader, alienating many voters on the campaign trail.
The report also criticised the party’s delegate system for selecting candidates, describing it as a “cancerous” process that requires urgent reform. It recommended expanding the electoral college to be more inclusive, ensuring grassroots members have a greater stake in the party’s future.
Recommendations
The report recommends internal reforms to address structural defects within the party, including:
- Eliminating internal apathy and monetization issues associated with delegate voting.
- Prioritizing merit-based appointments to reassure party members that rewards and positions will be based on commitment and hard work.
- Strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms to foster unity and avoid unnecessary divisions.
- Reconnecting with the party’s traditional support base and mending strained relationships.
The fact-finding team also included Emelda Antwi, William Oppong Bio, Bernard Abdallah, Rose Hamilton, and Oheneba Owusu Danso.
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