In the aftermath of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general election, Andy Appiah-Kubi, the outgoing Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North, has publicly criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, holding them responsible for the party’s painful loss to John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking candidly about the election results on TV3 Saturday political program monitored by www.kumasimail.com , Appiah-Kubi described the party’s defeat as avoidable, blaming it on poor economic management and unheeded advice from party insiders.
He alleged that Ofori-Atta’s handling of the country’s finances, which led to widespread public discontent, significantly alienated voters.
“We saw this coming,” Appiah-Kubi said. “The economic hardships were unbearable, yet our leadership refused to listen to the voices of reason within the party. Ofori-Atta’s policies were at the heart of the problem, and our failure to address these issues cost us dearly.”
He also accused President Akufo-Addo of not being proactive in resolving the internal challenges that plagued the NPP ahead of the election, claiming that the president’s decisions further deepened public distrust in the government.
According to him, the president’s unwillingness to act decisively on critical matters, including calls for a ministerial reshuffle, eroded confidence in the party’s ability to govern effectively.
Appiah-Kubi pointed out that the party’s inability to mitigate the fallout from its controversial economic policies, such as the debt restructuring program and budget cuts, exacerbated the discontent.
He claimed these measures disproportionately impacted ordinary Ghanaians, undermining the NPP’s message of hope and progress.
“Our defeat is not a surprise to those of us who were on the ground,” he added. “The electorate rejected us because we failed to address their concerns. Leadership was not responsive, and that created a gap between the party and the people.”
Reflecting on his own loss, Appiah-Kubi suggested that the leadership’s lack of strategic planning contributed to his constituency’s disillusionment with the party.
He lamented that internal divisions within the NPP also played a role in weakening their electoral machinery.
The 2024 election marked a major comeback for John Dramani Mahama, who secured a decisive victory over the NPP, ending the party’s eight-year rule.
Analysts attribute the NPP’s loss to widespread economic hardships, internal wrangling, and declining public trust in the government’s ability to manage the country’s affairs.
Appiah-Kubi’s remarks highlight growing tensions within the NPP as the party begins its post-election introspection. Many members have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the party’s leadership to rebuild trust and prepare for future elections.
source: www.kumasimail.com
