Eugune Boakye Antwi, Member of Parliament for Subin Constituency, has publicly disputed recent assertions by Musah Dankwah Global Info Analytics that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) still enjoys strong goodwill among its supporters.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s program Face to Face monitored by Kumasimail, Antwi emphasized that many NPP members are defecting, signaling waning confidence in the party.
Antwi opened the discussion by acknowledging the current political climate, stating, “At this current state, John Dramani Mahama has the goodwill of the people, and nobody can take that away from him.”
He cited the recent election results where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured 184 parliamentary seats and 56% of the popular vote, underscoring Mahama’s dominant position just six months into his presidency.
Using a metaphor, Antwi likened the public’s support for Mahama to “a woman falling in love at the beginning of a relationship,” implying that early enthusiasm is strong and resistant to criticism.
However, he cautioned that political dynamics evolve over time, and the NDC’s shortcomings could become more apparent as Mahama’s administration progresses.
Addressing concerns about illegal mining (galamsey), Antwi criticized the NDC government for not taking decisive action despite previously urging the former NPP administration to declare a state of emergency on the issue.
“But it’s politics if you give President Mahama and his NDC time, in the course of time they will start exposing themselves. For example Galamsey, the very people who were saying Nana Akufo Addo should declare a state of emergency, Nana Akuffo Addo should do this shoot and kill policy are the same people in govt now why are they not talking galamsey is still going on,” he noted.
Antwi stressed that galamsey is a broader Ghanaian problem, not confined to any single party’s governance.
“Galamsey is still ongoing so it shows you that it wasn’t an NPP problem it’s a Ghanaian problem.”
When asked if the NDC might face electoral backlash similar to what the NPP experienced after President Akufo-Addo’s second term, Antwi responded affirmatively.
“Yes, but as we speak, six months into his government, Mahama has the support of the country,” he said.
Antwi was quick to clarify that recognizing Mahama’s goodwill does not mean his administration should be immune to criticism.
He observed, “People are being dismissed left, right and center, and still Ghanaians are not complaining,” suggesting a temporary tolerance that may not last.
“There are other factors in the system which should anger Ghanaians but they are not because he has the goodwill but am not sure in 18 months time we would talk about this same factors,” he added.
When probed whether NPP should remain silent and simply observe, Antwi firmly rejected the notion.
“I am not saying we should be quiet. We should criticize with maturity and experience,” he asserted.
Source : www.kumasimail.com Kwadwo Owusu
