From Stronghold To Setback: How The NPP’s Governance Record Deepened The Rift With Ghanaians

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) appears to be struggling and pretending to understand why many Ghanaians are no longer enthusiastic about returning the party to power. The people who would have been expected to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 election had become increasingly disillusioned, feeling betrayed by the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia, and the governing party as a whole.

The NPP enjoyed deep loyalty from many Ghanaians for decades, particularly in its traditional strongholds. The party successfully projected itself as a disciplined political tradition built on competence, economic management, and democratic values. Many supporters remained committed even when political opponents accused the party of favoritism, tribalism, and elitism.

They believed the NPP represented a better alternative for national development and good governance. This confidence played a major role in the NPP's victory in the 2016 election. At the time, former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) faced criticism despite undertaking major infrastructure projects and economic programs.

Akufo-Addo campaigned on promises of fighting corruption, protecting the public purse, creating jobs, and tackling illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey. Many voters believed a new era of accountability and transparency was about to begin. However, a significant number of Ghanaians became disappointed when some of those promises appeared unfulfilled.

Public debates over issues such as illegal mining intensified as environmental destruction continued to attract national concern. At the same time, several controversies involving public officials damaged the government's anti-corruption image.

One of the most widely discussed scandals involved former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose case drew nationwide attention after reports emerged that large sums of foreign currency and valuables had allegedly been stolen from her residence. The matter triggered investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), raising serious public questions about accountability in public office.

Although the OSP later stated that it found no direct evidence of corruption, the case remained politically damaging because of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of such large amounts of cash. Another case involving Eugene Arhin, the communication director to the president, Akufo-Addo, was swept under the carpet.

Another issue that generated strong public resistance was the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy). From its introduction, many citizens, civil society organizations, and opposition groups argued that the policy would increase the financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians already battling economic hardship. Despite widespread opposition, the government proceeded with its implementation, creating the impression among many voters that public concerns were being ignored.

The economic difficulties experienced during the latter years of the Akufo-Addo administration further worsened public frustration. Rising inflation, a depreciating currency, increasing living costs, and the country's eventual engagement with the International Monetary Fund weakened public confidence in the government's economic management credentials.

Many Ghanaians who had expected economic relief instead found themselves facing growing financial pressure. What makes the NPP's current political strategy surprising is that instead of focusing on rebuilding public trust, some party figures appear more interested in attacking the government of President John Mahama. Yet political attacks alone rarely convince disappointed voters.

Elections are usually won by offering solutions to citizens' problems, not by merely criticizing opponents. The reality is that a considerable number of Ghanaians believe the current administration has moved quickly to address some of the economic challenges inherited from the previous government within two years, something the NPP couldn’t in eight years.

Whether one agrees with that assessment or not, perception matters in politics. If voters believe conditions are improving, they are less likely to be persuaded by opposition attacks. This is where the NPP faces its greatest challenge. The party's path back to power does not lie in endless criticism of the NDC government. It lies in honest self-reflection, acknowledging mistakes, rebuilding credibility, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the concerns of ordinary citizens.

Voters want humility, accountability, and fresh ideas. They want leaders who listen; therefore, Ghanaians are not going to believe or support the NPP until they bring in Ken Ofori-Atta, the former finance minister, who has fled to America to avoid accountability. If the NPP continues to ignore the reasons behind its electoral defeat and concentrates solely on fighting the current government, it risks extending its stay in opposition for years to come.

Political parties regain power when they reconnect with the people, proved to be accountable, but not when they dismiss the issues that drove them to the opposition.

The lesson is simple: before asking Ghanaians for another opportunity to govern, the NPP must first convince them that it understands why trust was lost. Until that happens, many voters are likely to remain unconvinced that the party deserves a return to power.