What Is Hurting The NPP: Whether In Power Or In Opposition, The Party Doesn’t Communicate With Ghanaians; They Fight The NDC

One of the reasons many Ghanaians have become frustrated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is the growing perception that the party frequently focuses more on fighting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) than communicating effectively with the people whose votes determine political power. Whether in government or in opposition, the NPP often appears to direct much of its energy toward political confrontations while ordinary Ghanaians worry about jobs, business opportunities, the cost of living, education, healthcare, and national development.

Political parties exist to serve the people, not to spend most of their time battling their rivals. Yet many voters believe that whenever the NPP faces difficulties, its response is often centered on attacking the NDC rather than carefully listening to public concerns. This perception became particularly strong during the party's years in government when several controversial policies generated widespread public debate and dissatisfaction.

Many citizens expected government officials to engage more closely with their concerns and demonstrate a willingness to adjust policies when necessary. For example, the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) remains one of the clearest examples frequently cited by critics. At the time, many Ghanaians openly expressed concern that the tax would increase the burden on small-scale traders, entrepreneurs, and low-income workers who relied heavily on mobile money transactions.

Despite strong public opposition, the policy was eventually implemented. For many citizens, the issue was not merely the tax itself but the feeling that their voices were not being taken seriously. When people feel ignored, trust begins to erode, regardless of the government's intentions. The political consequences of such perceptions can be significant. Democratic politics is based on constant communication between leaders and citizens.

Governments are expected not only to make decisions but also to explain, defend the people, and, where necessary, adjust policies in response to public concerns. When voters believe their opinions do not matter, they often express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box. What is surprising to many Ghanaians is that after losing power, the NPP appears to have continued with largely the same political approach. Rather than focusing primarily on self-reflection, policy alternatives, and rebuilding its relationship with the electorate, much of its public messaging continues to revolve around criticism of the NDC government.

While opposition parties naturally have a responsibility to scrutinize governments, voters also expect them to present clear ideas, practical solutions, and a compelling vision for the future. Many Ghanaians are less interested in hearing every day from the NPP, “When we come to power, we will jail this NDC politician, or that NDC politician. To them, it’s an insult, as if the NPP doesn’t depend on votes to win elections.

The reaction of Ghanaians when the NPP makes such statements even reveals that the party doesn’t have any respect for them because if they have respect for the people, they wouldn’t commit such crimes against the country and the people, and more importantly, their finance minister has absconded to the US to avoid accountability, and yet they are claiming what they will do when they come to power.

If the NPP wishes to regain public trust and return to power in the future, it may need to fundamentally change its approach. The NPP politicians must become better listeners. They must engage with the people who disappointed them. Another provocative statement one of the NPP politicians, Nana B, made was, “The anger among Ghanaians against the NDC, in 2028, the NPP will come to power.” Who told Nana B that if Ghanaians are angry, it is against the NDC?

Rather than assuming it already knows what people want, it should create opportunities for genuine dialogue and demonstrate that it understands the challenges facing ordinary citizens. The NPP must also focus on presenting practical solutions instead of relying heavily on attacks against its opponents. Voters reward parties that inspire hope and confidence.

Ghanaians want to hear how their economic conditions will improve, how jobs will be created, how businesses will be supported, and how the country's future can be secured. These conversations are far more important to voters than endless political battles. Another important step is humility. Every political party makes mistakes while in government. Citizens are often willing to forgive mistakes when leaders acknowledge them honestly and show a willingness to learn from them.

Within two years, the achievement of the NDC is considered as something the NPP couldn’t achieve in eight years, so the current government has stolen the hearts of the people. Thus, creating false campaigns, agendas, false accusations, and other things orchestrated against the NDC government today is a complete waste of time for the NPP, no matter how far their content creators engage in spreading that propaganda.

Refusing to recognize public concerns can create the impression that a party has become disconnected from the people it seeks to govern. The advice for the NPP is simple. Political power ultimately belongs to the people. No party can succeed for long if it communicates mainly with itself and its supporters while neglecting the wider electorate. In today’s Ghana, no political party should depend on rigging; it will not work.