Think Before You Vote: The NPP’s Legacy, Broken Promises, & Corruption

Ghana stands at a defining moment, and every citizen who cares about the future of this country must pause and reflect before casting a vote. Elections are not just about party colors or political slogans; they are about the lived experiences of ordinary people, the state of national institutions, and the direction in which a country is heading.

As an independent journalist who has spent decades observing Ghana’s political landscape, I have no obligation to any political party. My obligation is to the truth, and the truth is simple: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) left behind a trail of economic collapse, institutional decay, corruption scandals, and broken promises that Ghanaians must never forget.

When the NPP came into office in 2017, they inherited a stable and recovering economy. Inflation was declining, the energy crisis had been resolved, major infrastructure projects were underway, and Ghana’s international reputation was improving. Instead of consolidating these gains, the NPP embarked on reckless borrowing, propaganda-driven governance, and a pattern of mismanagement that plunged the country into its worst economic crisis in decades.

Public debt ballooned to unsustainable levels, forcing Ghana back into the arms of the IMF. The Domestic Debt Exchange Program wiped out pensions, investments, and savings, leaving many Ghanaians financially broken. This was not an accident; it was the result of poor leadership and irresponsible economic management. The NPP’s promises were grand, but their delivery was dismal.

They promised to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa, yet the capital remains overwhelmed by filth, choked drains, and sanitation failures. They promised “Ghana Beyond Aid,” but instead pushed the country deeper into debt and dependency. They promised factories in every district, but many of these projects never materialized, and those that did were either abandoned or operating far below capacity.

They promised to protect the public purse, yet corruption scandals became a defining feature of their administration. From inflated contracts to questionable procurement deals, the NPP’s governance style consistently raised concerns about transparency and accountability. One of the most painful examples of their failed promises is the demolition of the La General Hospital.

This facility served thousands of residents in La, Teshie, and Nungua, providing essential healthcare services to vulnerable communities. The NPP government demolished the hospital with the promise of constructing a modern replacement. Years passed, and nothing was built. The land remained bare, the community suffered, and patients were forced to travel long distances for medical care.

This was not just a failed project; it was a betrayal of trust and a disregard for human lives. The collapse of key national institutions under the NPP further illustrates the depth of their mismanagement. COCOBOD, once a symbol of Ghana’s agricultural strength, was crippled by debt and inefficiency. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) struggled under financial distress, worsening power sector instability.

Even the Bank of Ghana recorded unprecedented losses linked to the government’s reckless borrowing and debt restructuring. These institutions are pillars of Ghana’s economy, and their collapse has long-term consequences that will take years to repair. The NPP also promised jobs, prosperity, and economic transformation. Instead, unemployment soared, businesses collapsed, and the cost of living became unbearable.

The cedi depreciated sharply, inflation skyrocketed, and many families struggled to afford basic necessities. The banking sector cleanup, though necessary in principle, was executed in a manner that destroyed local banks, wiped out investments, and cost taxpayers billions. Thousands lost their jobs, and confidence in the financial sector was shattered amid major infrastructure promises were left unfulfilled.

The Pwalugu Dam project, touted as a transformational initiative for the north, never materialized despite significant funds being allocated. Roads, schools, and hospitals promised during campaigns remained on paper. The NPP’s governance became a cycle of slogans, groundbreaking ceremonies, and abandoned projects.

In contrast, within just two years, President John Mahama’s administration has embarked on massive developmental projects across the country: roads, hospitals, schools, and social interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens. Whether one supports the NDC or not, the difference in delivery is undeniable. While the NPP relied heavily on propaganda, the current administration is focused on rebuilding what was destroyed and restoring hope.

Ghanaians must think carefully before voting. Elections are not about giving political parties second chances to repeat old mistakes. They are about safeguarding the future. The NPP has already shown what they are capable of when entrusted with power: economic collapse, institutional bankruptcy, abandoned projects, and broken promises. No intelligent Ghanaian should ignore this record.

The cost of forgetting is too high, and the consequences of repeating the same mistake could be disastrous for future generations. Ghana deserves leadership that builds, not leadership that destroys. Leadership that delivers, not leadership that deceives. Leadership that protects national institutions, not leadership that bankrupts them.

As the nation prepares for another election, every voter must remember the suffering, the hardship, and the failures of the past eight years under the NPP. Thinking before voting is not just wise; it is necessary for the survival and progress of Ghana.