'Arrogance of power, E-Levy, DDEP contributed to our defeat in 2024, we were not willing to listen' – Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 Presidential Candidate, has offered an honest reflection on the reasons behind the party's loss in the recent general elections.

Speaking at the auditorium of Takoradi Technical University during the launch of his nationwide Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia cited a combination of internal and external factors that led to the defeat.

He explained that multiple challenges, including economic hardships, poor internal management, and unpopular government decisions, created widespread dissatisfaction among Ghanaians.

He particularly pointed to the impact of the high cost of living, the refusal to reshuffle government officials, the controversial E-Levy, and the government's decision to implement the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) under the IMF debt restructuring plan.

“When you study all the reports we have so far, certain factors were highlighted. These include the high cost of living; the prices of goods and services went up and left many Ghanaians struggling. Another factor that was highlighted is the arrogance of power, we were not willing to listen," Dr. Bawumia stated.

He continued, “The party members told us to conduct a reshuffle, but after eight years we didn’t listen. The party members told us they didn’t want E-levy, but we implemented it. Again, the party members told us that the DDEP was going to be a major challenge but we went ahead to implement it."

Acknowledging the toll of these decisions, Dr. Bawumia said, “Things were bad, and we were not able to pay NABCO, those employed under youth and afforestation, caterers and others were also not being paid."

While addressing perceptions that blamed his religious background for the party’s defeat, Dr. Bawumia insisted that deeper, structural issues within the party were more responsible. He pointed out that many uncompleted projects and lack of effective campaigning in stronghold regions further weakened their position.

“Even in the regions that give us some vote, we didn’t put in a lot of work there. Western Region is an example,” he noted.

Dr. Bawumia also highlighted internal disunity as a critical factor that hampered their campaign, making it easier for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to capitalise on their weaknesses.

“So, going into the 2024 general election, the NPP as a party was not fully united. The opposition at the time, the NDC, even though didn’t have a campaign message, was playing back our language against each other back to us. That is why it is important that as we go about with our campaign, you don’t bring down your opponent so that you can win,” he said.

As he embarks on his Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia’s remarks seem to signal a call for introspection, unity, and strategic rebuilding within the NPP.