Kumawu MP Ernest Arhin has dissected the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) recent electoral defeat, urging members to pivot from recrimination to strategic renewal.
The MP’s remarks, laced with introspection and pragmatism, offer a roadmap for the party’s revival ahead of the 2028 polls.
Arhin framed the NPP’s post-election turmoil as a universal political phenomenon, drawing parallels to the U.S. Democratic Party’s internal reckoning.
“Any time there’s a defeat, people will find reasons and assign blame to others.But we’re not a club, we’re a political party. Problems will arise, and for many, this defeat was unexpected”, he observed.
While acknowledging the sting of losing power, Arhin emphasized resilience: “We lost two months ago, but we still have four years ahead of us. I strongly believe we can make progress within our party, despite occasional accusations and criticisms.”
Speaking in an interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo at Abusua965FM, Arhin firmly opposed calls for mass resignations among NPP national executives, arguing that such moves would destabilize the party.
He said “Why can’t we let them finish their term? If we believe someone hasn’t done their job well, we should vote them out when the time comes, rather than going on air or radio to call for their dismissal,” he reasoned.
The MP backed the party’s decision to establish a review committee under Professor Oquaye.
“The election loss wasn’t entirely because of the national chairman or the secretary. It could be due to something as simple as a word you said to someone behind closed doors, which angered them and caused them not to vote,” he explained.
Arhin urged patience, warning that premature dismissals could cripple party operations: “If you sack someone, how can you expect them to continue working willingly for the party? If they are removed now, who will run the party?”
The MP took ownership of his role in Kumawu, where he secured a commanding 76% of votes.
“If you visit my constituency and say we failed, I will take that,” he declared. “I’ll work on those failures and see how we can perform better in the next election.”
Arhin lamented that his victory’s glow was dimmed by broader party dissatisfaction.
“People are disappointed that things didn’t go as planned, and names are being called out. I feel bad about my winning point being overshadowed by this dissatisfaction.”
Reflecting on life after losing power, Arhin painted a stark picture of diminished influence. “Now, things are not the same as before, even though I’m still a Member of Parliament. I go to the office and leave, feeling almost as if I’ve already departed,” he admitted.
At the local level, Arhin noted a breakdown in predictability: “Even at the assembly level, there’s uncertainty you don’t always know who you’re dealing with next.” Still, he urged perseverance: “You carry on because you must.”
“We need to recognize the power within the people and internalize it. If we focus on this, it will benefit us greatly,” he stressed.
Arhin expressed faith in the Oquaye Committee’s findings, which he believes will “help lead the party to victory come 2028.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
