Ahafo at a crossroads: Time for new leadership to restore NPP’s strength

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ahafo Region stands at a crossroads. The data from successive elections under the leadership of the current Regional Chairman, Mr. Owusu Sekyere, paints a troubling picture of declining fortunes for our party, both in presidential and parliamentary contests.

Delegates, financiers, the rank and file of our great party must recognize the urgent need for new, visionary leadership to reverse this trend.

THE DATA TELLS THE STORY OF FAILURE
1. Presidential Election Decline
• 2016 (Pre-Owusu Sekyere’s Leadership): Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo secured 54.07% of the votes, a commanding lead over John Dramani Mahama’s 44.64%.

• 2020 (Under His Leadership): Though Nana Addo won with 55.04%, this slim improvement masks an overall reduction in voter turnout and momentum.

• 2024: The most alarming decline occurred when Mahamudu Bawumia lost to John Mahama, securing only 46.07% to Mahama’s 52.46%.

This trend represents a complete erosion of confidence and support for the NPP at the presidential level under Mr. Owusu Sekyere’s leadership.

2. Parliamentary Election Setbacks
• In 2016, NPP candidates dominated key constituencies like Asunafo North (77.01% for Evans Opoku Bobie) and Tano North (58.11% for Freda Prempeh).

• Under Owusu Sekyere (2020-2024): A sharp decline in parliamentary performances has been recorded. By 2024:

• Asunafo North: NPP’s Evans Opoku Bobie dropped from 52.21% in 2020 to 42.41%, ceding the seat to the NDC.

• Asunafo South: Frank Aduse Poku managed only 43.00%, a steep fall from prior results.

• Asutifi North: NPP’s Patrick Banor plummeted to 43.33%, losing to the NDC’s Ebenezer Kwaku Addo.

• Tano South: Benjamin Sekyere’s support collapsed to 48.73%, handing the seat to the NDC.

Under Owusu Sekyere’s leadership, the NPP has witnessed parliamentary seat losses and dwindling vote shares in constituencies once considered strongholds.

FAILED LEADERSHIP AND LACK OF STRATEGIC DIRECTION

The data reflects not only declining votes but also a failure to adapt to the political dynamics of the region. Mr. Owusu Sekyere’s tenure has been marked by:

• Inadequate grassroots mobilization: The party’s structures have weakened, leading to voter apathy.

• Strategic blunders: Poor candidate selection process and inability to address pressing concerns of the electorate have cost the party dearly.

• Loss of trust: The electorate no longer sees the NPP as a credible alternative under his watch.

THE WAY FORWARD: A CALL FOR CHANGE
The NPP cannot afford to continue on this downward trajectory. The 2024 elections have made it clear: if we retain Mr. Owusu Sekyere, we risk losing the only parliamentary seat left and irreparably damaging the party’s reputation in the Ahafo Region.

We need a leader who:
1. Rebuilds grassroots structures to energize the base.

2. Implements strategic interventions to reclaim lost constituencies.

3. Restores confidence in the party’s ability to deliver results for the region.

The NPP has a proud tradition of delivering development and progress to the people of Ahafo. This tradition can only continue with leadership that inspires confidence, builds consensus, and delivers results. Owusu Sekyere has demonstrated, through his tenure, that he is not that leader.

The time for change is now. Delegates and financiers must rise to the occasion and choose a leader who will reverse these losses, reclaim our strongholds, and secure victory for the NPP in future elections. The stakes are too high for complacency.

…..Signed….
Nana Moses
Fmr. Vice Chair of NPP China