Why Many Ghanaians Feel the Defeat of the NPP Is Well-Deserved and a Good Riddance.

Author: Francis Angbabora Baaladong

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), once heralded as a champion of democracy and development, now faces growing dissatisfaction among Ghanaians. After nearly a decade of governance, the party’s defeat in the recent elections has been met with widespread approval by many citizens. For many Ghanaians, the phrase “good riddance” resonates deeply, as they believe the party's fall is not only deserved but also necessary for the country’s progress.

One of the key reasons for the public’s frustration is the NPP’s failure to deliver on its ambitious promises. Even the flagship Free Senior High School programme, though commendable, has been marred by infrastructural challenges, double track system, insufficient feeding, and its political inconsistent implementation which lacks national consideration.

The promised job creation initiatives, like the “One District, One Factory” policy, have underperformed, leaving many unemployed youth disillusioned. To add insult to injury, jobs were sold at exorbitant prices to some undeserved and unqualified youth leaving those with the right qualifications jobless. Ghanaians feel that the party’s inability to fulfill these promises has exacerbated socioeconomic inequalities which led to economic hardship in the country.

Ghana’s economy under the NPP has struggled, with rising inflation, unsustainable debt levels, and currency depreciation. The cost of living had soared, and many households could barely afford basic necessities. While the COVID-19 pandemic and other global economic challenges played a role, critics argue that poor fiscal discipline and corruption within the government worsened the situation. For example, at the time Ghanaians were living in abject poverty, the president was flying around the world with expensive hired private jet. Also, instead of thinking about the people, the government wanted to rather build a cathedral. These and many other mismanagement sent the economy down a ditch. Therefore, for many, the NPP’s economic stewardship had become synonymous with nothing but hardship.

Pervasive corruption scandals have further tainted the party’s reputation. Allegations of mismanagement of public funds, lack of transparency, and political patronage have eroded trust in the NPP. High-profile cases of alleged wrongdoing often ended without accountability, leaving Ghanaians frustrated and disillusioned with the party’s commitment to good governance and the promise to protect the public purse as indicated by the then president, Nana Addo.

The NPP was also criticized for losing touch with the everyday struggles of ordinary Ghanaians. Many feel that the party’s leadership had become elitist, prioritising the interests of a few over the well-being of the majority. The disconnect between policymakers and citizens had fueled resentment, making the party’s defeat feel like a reclaiming of power by the people.

After years of NPP governance, many Ghanaians yearned for change. The frustration with the status quo and the perceived failure to address pressing issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and education created fertile ground for the opposition to thrive. For these citizens, voting the NPP out was a way of demanding accountability and paving the way for new leadership. What therefore, the NDC must know is that, failure to fulfill the promises made to Ghanaians leading to the recent election will be met with the needed resistance as many will want to compare the two parties. Those who are fortunate to have gotten appointments must eschew arrogance from their line of duty and be ready to listen to the masses who overwhelmingly voted the NDC to power.

To conclude, the defeat of the NPP has been seen by many as a wake-up call for the party and a message to all political leaders that Ghanaians will not tolerate poor governance. While “good riddance” may sound harsh, it captures the sentiment of a population that feels let down and eager for a brighter future. Moving forward, any government must prioritise the needs of the people, deliver on promises, and rebuild trust to avoid a similar fate.

Ghana’s democracy remains vibrant, and the people’s voice is a testament to their unwavering commitment to holding leaders accountable.