NPP Becomes the First Ruling Party in Ghana to Campaign Against Its Own Policies: A Focus on Betting Tax and E-Levy

In a groundbreaking political strategy, Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP), the current ruling party, has taken an unprecedented step by campaigning against certain policies they once endorsed, including the controversial betting tax and E-Levy. This unique approach—criticizing their own policies while still in power—has sparked a national conversation, stirring mixed reactions from the public, opposition parties, and political analysts alike. The NPP’s decision to distance itself from these policies reflects a shift in their campaign strategy, aiming to align more closely with public sentiment ahead of the upcoming elections.

Background: The Betting Tax and E-Levy Controversies

The betting tax and E-Levy have been among the most hotly debated policies in recent years, with both introduced to increase government revenue amid fiscal challenges.

Betting Tax
This policy introduced a tax on sports betting, a rapidly growing industry in Ghana. Initially designed to capture revenue from the thriving betting sector, the tax faced significant backlash, particularly from the youth. Many viewed it as a targeted move against young Ghanaians, who often engage in betting as a pastime or alternative income source. The tax is widely seen as placing additional economic strain on a demographic already grappling with unemployment and high living costs.

E-Levy
The E-Levy, which imposes a charge on digital financial transactions, was implemented to generate additional revenue for the state. Initially pitched as a solution to fund various national projects in order to keep the npp government from seeking financial assistance from the IMF.

It was met with widespread opposition from citizens who saw it as an undue burden. Businesses, small-scale traders, and regular citizens argued that the E-Levy would stifle digital financial inclusion and hurt small enterprises that rely heavily on mobile money transactions.

Why the NPP is Campaigning Against Its Own Policies?

The NPP’s campaign against the betting tax and E-Levy highlights the party’s recognition of these policies' unpopularity and the mounting public dissatisfaction. The reasons behind the party's change in stance appear to be both strategic and reflective of public sentiment.

1. Responding to Public Backlash
Ghanaian citizens have voiced strong opposition to both the betting tax and the E-Levy. The backlash, especially from youth and low-income earners, signalled a risk for the NPP in terms of voter support. By acknowledging this, the NPP aims to show its responsiveness to the will of the people, positioning itself as a party willing to correct its course based on feedback.

2. Pre-Election Strategy With elections approaching

The NPP’s shift is likely a calculated move to retain voter support. By opposing the very policies that have become contentious, the party could be attempting to win back disillusioned supporters who may have been swayed by opposition parties that have criticized these policies all along.

3. Demonstrating Flexibility and Accountability

Unlike in previous administrations, where policies were often defended to the end, the NPP’s pivot may reflect an attempt to demonstrate accountability and flexibility. They appear to be communicating that they are willing to admit policy missteps and adjust as needed, potentially setting a new standard for governance in Ghana.

4. Youth Engagement
The NPP’s decision to oppose the betting tax in particular is seen as a direct appeal to the youth, a demographic that has felt alienated by the policy. By taking a stand against this tax, the NPP is likely hoping to re-engage young voters and present itself as an advocate for youth interests.

Potential Impact on Ghanaian Politics
The NPP’s campaign against its own policies has created a ripple effect across Ghana’s political landscape. Key impacts include:

Setting a New Political Precedent
It is rare for ruling parties in Ghana or other democracies to openly campaign against their own policies. This move by the NPP may set a new standard, where governments are more willing to reverse or adjust policies based on popular opinion, creating a more dynamic relationship between the government and its citizens.

Influencing Opposition Strategy
The NPP’s pivot has shifted some of the opposition’s key talking points. Opposition parties such as the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who had initially criticized the betting tax and E-Levy, now face the challenge of adapting their strategy as the NPP aligns more closely with public sentiment on these issues.

Voter Perception and Trust
While some voters may view the NPP’s shift as a sincere effort to rectify unpopular policies, others could interpret it as a tactic to gain an electoral favour. The party's critics argue that if these policies were truly harmful, they should have been rescinded much earlier, casting doubt on the authenticity of the campaign.

Youth Mobilization
The youth, who make up a significant portion of the Ghanaian electorate, are likely to be a key factor in the upcoming elections. The NPP’s opposition to the betting tax may galvanize young voters who previously felt marginalized by the policy, although it remains to be seen if this shift will be enough to sway them back to the party

Public and Political Reactions
Reactions to the NPP’s campaign strategy have been mixed. Supporters of the move see it as a refreshing sign of political maturity and transparency. They argue that the NPP’s willingness to acknowledge and act upon unpopular policies speaks to a new level of accountability in Ghanaian politics.

However, sceptics question the timing, viewing the campaign as an opportunistic ploy rather than a genuine policy reevaluation. Opponents, particularly from the NDC, claim that the NPP’s about-face is an admission of policy failures, suggesting that the policies were poorly thought out from the beginning. Social media has been abuzz with debates, with some praising the NPP for its responsiveness, while others express doubt about the motivations behind the move.

Conclusion: A Risky Gamble or Political Innovation?

The NPP’s decision to campaign against its own policies is a bold and unconventional move that has sparked widespread discussion in Ghanaian society. Whether this will ultimately benefit the party remains uncertain. On one hand, it may resonate with voters who appreciate political accountability and flexibility. On the other hand, the strategy could backfire if voters perceive it as insincere or politically motivated.

As Ghana moves toward its next election cycle, the NPP’s approach introduces a novel layer to political campaigning in the country. If successful, it could redefine the dynamics between government policies and voter expectations, setting a precedent for greater adaptability and responsiveness in governance. However, only time will tell if this strategy will pay off or if it will serve as a cautionary tale for future administrations in Ghana.