Does The NPP Truly Respect Ghanaians?
Both former President Akufo‑Addo and his vice president, Mahamudu Bawumia, have consistently demonstrated through their actions and public statements that they do not hold genuine respect for the Ghanaian people.
Ghanaians are experiencing one of the most painful political periods in recent memory. After years of economic decline, institutional collapse, and widespread corruption allegations, many citizens expected the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to show humility or at least restraint. Instead, the party has adopted a tone that many interpret as dismissive, arrogant, and profoundly disrespectful.
At a time when the country’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori‑Atta, is facing serious legal scrutiny and has left Ghana under circumstances that raise questions about accountability, the NPP’s public declarations have struck many as insensitive and out of touch. The frustration of Ghanaians is rooted in the severe financial scandals that unfolded under the NPP administration.
Investigations have revealed that questionable contracts, such as those involving Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML), may have cost the nation over GH₵1.4 billion without clear evidence of work done. Additional probes into petroleum revenue assurance contracts, the National Cathedral procurement processes, and irregularities within the Ghana Revenue Authority have further deepened public distrust.
These issues collectively contributed to the weakening of state institutions and the worsening of Ghana’s economic stability. More importantly, a large number of NPP politicians are under investigation for stealing state funds or looting state property. Against this backdrop, many Ghanaians were stunned by recent statements from NPP politicians.
When Abanga declared that the party would impose a $500 million bail on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) if the NPP returns to power, citizens interpreted it as a threat rather than a policy position. It suggested a willingness to weaponize state institutions for political revenge rather than uphold justice. His additional claim of having a strategy to win 70 “orphan” parliamentary seats in 2028 sounded tone‑deaf to a population still grappling with the consequences of mismanagement.
Instead of acknowledging public suffering, the statement projected political ambition and entitlement. Former President Akufo‑Addo’s call for “all hands on deck” for victory in 2028 also struck many as insensitive. After presiding over years of economic hardship, rising unemployment, inflation, and institutional decay, Ghanaians expected reflection, not rallying cries.
The message appeared to ignore the widespread dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance. Similarly, Afenyo‑Markin’s declaration that “the Lord is with us” and that the NPP will prevail in 2028 was perceived as an attempt to spiritualize political power rather than confront the party’s accountability challenges. Many citizens felt that invoking divine endorsement in the midst of corruption allegations was manipulative and disrespectful.
To Ghanaians, these statements collectively signal a troubling lack of remorse. They suggest that the NPP does not feel responsible for the economic suffering and institutional damage experienced during their tenure. The tone of confidence and triumph, despite ongoing investigations and public anger, reflects a disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
It also raises concerns about democratic stability, as comments about imposing massive bail on political opponents hint at potential intimidation and misuse of state power. These remarks further imply that the NPP believes Ghanaians have short memories, that citizens will overlook the scandals, the hardships, and the erosion of trust. Many see this as an underestimation of their intelligence and resilience.
Instead of demonstrating humility, the party appears to be celebrating its anticipated return to power, even while key figures face serious legal challenges. Ghanaians must recognize that political statements are not mere rhetoric; they reveal a party’s mindset and intentions. The recent declarations from the NPP show no remorse for the financial scandals that harmed the nation, no respect for citizens demanding accountability, and no acknowledgment of the suffering caused by mismanagement.
They show no commitment to transparency or reform, and no humility despite facing historic corruption allegations. A party that collapses institutions, evades accountability, and dismisses public suffering does not deserve the trust of the people. The future of Ghana depends on leaders who respect citizens, not those who insult their intelligence.
Belgian‑Ghanaian journalist Joel Savage writes the column “A Mixture of Periodicals.” A former member of the Flemish Journalists Association, he has contributed to the Weekly Spectator, Ghanaian Times, Daily Graphic and The Mirror.
Disclaimer: "The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect ModernGhana official position. ModernGhana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here."