In a revealing post-election review commissioned by the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), several critical issues have come to light that significantly impacted the party’s performance in the 2024 elections.
A committee, initiated on December 14, 2024, just a week after the polls, the review paints a complex picture of disjointed campaign strategies, leadership vacuums, and voter disillusionment.
In the Nhyiaeso Constituency, Member of Parliament Dr. Stephen Amoah faced criticism by the election review committee for running a campaign that was notably detached from the main constituency executives.
“The PC again was seen working with a different campaign group outside the main constituency executive”.
The committee believes that this decision was compounded by the untimely death of the constituency chairman, which left a gaping leadership vacuum.
Again, the committee also noted that the perception that the parliamentary candidate was inaccessible to constituents added to the woes, as he chose to work with a separate campaign group outside the traditional party structure.
“The death of the chairman created a vacuum and all attention was on the PC who some perceived inaccessible.”
Kwabre East Constituency: A Case of Voter Apathy
In Kwabre East, the committee didn’t mince words, according to them, a statement by President Nana Akufo-Addo in a radio interview with Kumasi based OTEC FM regarding the poor state of roads in the constituency sparked widespread discontent.
The committee expressed the following “The President’s remarks, which suggested that he would not force constituents to vote for the NPP if they did not appreciate the party’s development projects, were perceived as dismissive of the constituency’s consistent electoral support.
This sentiment resonated deeply with voters, leading to significant apathy and a sense of being unvalued despite their loyalty to the party”.
Bosome Freho Constituency: Legal Battles and Perception Wars
In Bosome Freho, the parliamentary candidate faced a unique set of challenges following a court case after winning the party primaries. This legal entanglement not only disrupted campaign plans but also provided fodder for the opposition.
The NDC seized upon the situation, portraying the candidate as an outsider who had not previously resided in the constituency. This narrative, coupled with threats of legal action if the candidate were elected, created confusion among voters and ultimately resulted in a narrower margin of victory for the NPP.
The findings of this post-election review offer valuable insights into the complexities of political campaigns in the Ashanti Region.
They underscore the need for cohesive campaign strategies, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of voter sentiments. As the NPP reflects on these challenges, it is clear that addressing these issues will be crucial in regaining voter trust and ensuring future electoral success.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
