GAP-F rates NPP’s performance in opposition 43%, urges urgent reforms

The Ghana Academic Professional Forum (GAP-F) has released its first performance scorecard for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) since it transitioned into opposition, awarding the party an overall score of 43 out of 100 after five months.

The group concluded that the NPP’s national leadership has significantly underperformed, especially when compared to the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s time in opposition.

At a press conference held in Accra, Professor Isaac Boadi, Associate Professor of Finance and Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), explained that the assessment was undertaken to provide direction and accountability within Ghana’s democratic space, emphasizing that “a credible opposition is fundamental to a healthy democracy.”

“The NPP national executives over the past five months have not met the expectations required of a party in opposition. They have been less proactive and effective compared to the NDC when it was in opposition,” Prof. Boadi said.

The GAP-F’s evaluation was based on several key parameters, including reorganization of party structures, communication and public engagement, parliamentary oversight, policy alternatives and shadow governance, public mobilization, alliance-building, and financial sustainability. The assessment methodology assigned percentage weights to each parameter, scored performance on a 100-point scale, and calculated a weighted average.

According to the report, the NPP received the following raw and weighted scores:

Reorganization of Party Structures: 15% weight, score of 40, weighted score of 6

Communication and Public Engagement: 20% weight, score of 30, weighted score of 6

Policy Alternatives and Shadow Governance: 15% weight, score of 20, weighted score of 3

Parliamentary Oversight Role: 20% weight, score of 80, weighted score of 16

Public Mobilization and Outreach: 10% weight, score of 50, weighted score of 5

Alliance and Stakeholder Engagement: 10% weight, score of 30, weighted score of 3

Fundraising and Party Sustainability: 10% weight, score of 40, weighted score of 4

These combined to produce a total weighted score of 43 out of 100, which GAP-F classified as a “Grade F,” indicating significant underperformance.

Dr. Frank Bannor, Lecturer at the Ghana Institute for Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Director of Research at the Danquah Institute (DI), and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, also addressed the press. He highlighted the lack of policy clarity and weak public messaging as major setbacks for the NPP.

“The overall score of 43 is a red flag for the NPP. It underscores a failure to present a credible alternative to the current government. For the NPP to be seen as a government-in-waiting, the party must undergo immediate reforms in messaging, policy strategy, and coalition-building,” Dr. Bannor stated.

However, the report did acknowledge the NPP minority in Parliament for their relatively strong performance in providing oversight on government actions, particularly regarding fiscal matters and governance.

GAP-F made a number of key recommendations to help the NPP reposition itself effectively in opposition. The group urged the party to roll out full sector-by-sector policy blueprints to demonstrate its readiness to govern. It also called for the activation of shadow ministers who should frequently engage the public through press conferences and policy dialogues.

The group further recommended the establishment of a central communications war room, with trained spokespeople who can deliver coordinated messaging across national and regional platforms. It also encouraged the party to formalize alliances with civil society organizations, religious bodies, and labor unions to broaden its support base.

“In addition to these strategic steps, the NPP must prioritize transparency and sustainability in its fundraising activities. Regular publication of fundraising reports, the creation of a domestic donor network, and the empowerment of regional finance committees will build both trust and operational efficiency,” the report stated.

GAP-F concluded by reiterating that a strong and responsive opposition is not just necessary but critical to the nation’s political development. The Forum pledged to continue providing periodic assessments of opposition performance as a way to enhance Ghana’s democratic processes.

“The NPP still has time to correct course, but that window is closing fast. The people of Ghana deserve an opposition that not only criticizes but provides clear alternatives and demonstrates leadership,” Professor Boadi concluded.