Kumasi-based journalist Isaac Justice Bediako shares insights on why President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cannot be solely blamed for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) devastating loss in the 2024 general elections.
Instead, he points to greedy appointees and their disregard for the grassroots as a major factor.
Over the years, I have cultivated relationships with key figures within the two major political parties in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP, while working in the Ashanti Region, the stronghold of the NPP, for the past 17 years.
Through my observations and experiences, I have uncovered critical issues that highlight the root causes of the NPP’s electoral misfortunes.
Grassroots Frustrations: An Example from Education Protocols
During the first term of Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, when Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh (popularly known as Napo) served as the Minister for Education, a troubling incident involving the Ashanti Regional Youth Organizer of the NPP caught my attention.
The organizer struggled to secure employment for some of his party communicators in the teaching field, despite the party being in power.
After several failed attempts, he was advised to approach Kwasi Ofori Agyemang, the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Obuasi and a notable figure in the opposition NDC then.
Known as “King Zuba,” the NDC stalwart reportedly offered immediate help due to his personal connections. This begs a critical question: why would an NPP leader in the Ashanti Region, the party’s political base, have to rely on an NDC figure to secure protocol favors within his own government?
This incident exposes the growing disconnect between the NPP administration and its loyal grassroots supporters. It reinforces the earlier admission by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, that the government had distanced itself from the party’s core base during its tenure, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Allegations of Corruption in Protocol Opportunities
Another revealing incident occurred at the residence of Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister for Food and Agriculture and an NPP flagbear hopeful. On a Sunday morning, during a press event at his home, I overheard a conversation between a constituency chairman from the Ashanti Region and the former minister. The chairman lamented his inability to secure a police recruitment slot for his son.
To make matters worse, he revealed that he had to pay money to a known party member before his son was finally enlisted into the government protocol list. This situation left the chairman demoralized, and it required the intervention of Dr. Afriyie Akoto to calm him down. Such instances of alleged bribery and corruption among party members were rampant during the NPP’s tenure, further alienating loyal supporters who had high expectations of the government.
NPP’s Disconnect From Its Grassroots
The above examples expose recurring theme: the NPP’s leadership and appointees were far removed from the grassroots members who worked tirelessly to bring the party to power.
Many grassroots members felt abandoned and betrayed as opportunities meant for them were reportedly hoarded by a select few or made available only through payment.
This growing sense of disillusionment became a significant factor in the party’s electoral defeat.
The Ashanti Region, the party’s stronghold, was particularly affected by these issues, with many loyal supporters feeling neglected by the very government they helped elect.
President Akufo-Addo’s Role: Not Entirely to Blame
While President Nana Akufo-Addo was the head of the government, it would be unfair to place the entirety of the blame on his shoulders. The actions of certain appointees and party officials contributed significantly to the NPP’s downfall. Their greed, disregard for the grassroots, and involvement in questionable activities eroded the trust and loyalty of party members.
The failure of these appointees to address the needs of the grassroots and their apparent prioritization of personal interests over party loyalty created a toxic environment that ultimately hurt the party’s image and performance.
The Path Forward for the NPP
The NPP’s loss should serve as a wake-up call for the party to reconnect with its grassroots base. To rebuild trust and loyalty, the party must address the systemic issues of favoritism, corruption, and neglect that plagued its administration.
As the party reflects on its defeat, it must implement reforms to ensure that opportunities are distributed equitably, and grassroots members are valued and included in decision-making processes. Accountability must be prioritized, and appointees who failed to serve the party’s interests must be held responsible.
Conclusion
The NPP’s electoral defeat is a lesson in the importance of staying connected to the people who form the backbone of any political organization. While President Akufo-Addo undoubtedly bears some responsibility as the leader of the government, it is clear that the actions of certain appointees and officials significantly contributed to the party’s woes.
Moving forward, the NPP must focus on rebuilding trust with its grassroots supporters and ensuring that its leadership prioritizes the collective good over individual gains. Only then can the party hope to restore its standing and reclaim its place as a political powerhouse in Ghana.
Source: Isaac Justice Bediako, Kumasi-based journalist.
Source: www,kumasimail.com
