NPP number one: I’m now not certain Bawumia would contest once more if… – Nana Akomea – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) continues to grapple with its decisive loss in the 2024 Ghanaian presidential election. As the party prepares for its 2026 presidential primaries, the candidacy of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, has come under renewed scrutiny. In a recent interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Akomea, the Chairman of the Communications Directorate of Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, provided a clear and data-driven rebuttal to claims that Bawumia’s candidacy was the primary reason for the NPP’s defeat. This article explores Akomea’s arguments, the broader context of the 2024 loss, and the implications for the NPP’s future strategy.

Key Points

Background

The 2024 Presidential Election Results

The 2024 Ghanaian presidential election marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by John Dramani Mahama, defeated the incumbent NPP ticket of Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Mahama secured 6,328,397 votes (56.55%), while Bawumia received 4,657,304 votes (41.61%). This margin of over 1.6 million votes was one of the largest in recent Ghanaian electoral history.

The NPP’s Parliamentary Performance

The NDC’s victory extended beyond the presidency. The party also won a commanding majority in Parliament, securing over 180 seats. This included several constituencies that had been considered NPP strongholds for decades. The scale of the defeat prompted the NPP to initiate a comprehensive internal review.

The Oquaye Committee and Post-Election Analysis

In response to the defeat, the NPP established a post-election review committee chaired by Professor Mike Oquaye, a former Speaker of Parliament. The committee’s mandate was to analyze the factors that contributed to the loss and recommend strategies for future electoral success. The findings of this committee, along with other independent analyses, became central to the party’s understanding of the defeat.

Analysis

The Role of Economic Factors

Nana Akomea emphasized that multiple independent surveys and analyses consistently identified economic hardship and declining living standards as the dominant issues driving voter dissatisfaction. These included assessments by:

• The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
• Afrobarometer
• Global Info Analytics
• The Konrad Adenauer Foundation
• The NPP’s own Oquaye Committee

These institutions found that voters were primarily concerned with the state of the economy, the cost of living, and the government’s handling of economic policy, rather than the personal appeal or qualifications of the NPP’s presidential candidate.

Bawumia’s Campaign Performance

Akomea argued that Dr. Bawumia’s campaign was robust and energetic, reinvigorating the party’s base and creating a sense of possibility even in the face of challenging pre-election polls. He maintained that Bawumia’s hard work and dedication during the campaign period demonstrated his commitment to the party and the nation, qualities that should be rewarded with a second chance.

The Significance of the 2026 Primaries

The NPP’s presidential primaries, scheduled for January 31, 2026, will be a critical test of the party’s direction and strategy. Akomea’s comments suggest that the party’s leadership and delegates are more focused on addressing the underlying economic and organizational issues that led to the 2024 defeat, rather than scapegoating individual candidates.

Voter Apathy and Low Turnout

The NPP has increasingly attributed its 2024 loss to voter apathy and low turnout among its traditional supporters. This explanation shifts the focus from the candidate to the party’s ability to mobilize and engage its base. It also implies that the solution lies in improved grassroots organization, communication, and voter outreach, rather than in changing the candidate.

Practical Advice

For the NPP Leadership

The NPP should prioritize addressing the economic concerns of its voters. This includes developing clear, actionable policies to tackle inflation, unemployment, and the cost of living. The party must also invest in grassroots mobilization to combat voter apathy and ensure high turnout in future elections.

For Dr. Bawumia

Dr. Bawumia should continue to demonstrate his commitment to the party and the nation through active engagement with voters, clear policy proposals, and a focus on economic recovery. He should also work to build consensus within the party and address any internal divisions that may have emerged during the 2024 campaign.

For NPP Delegates

Delegates participating in the 2026 primaries should evaluate candidates based on their vision, leadership qualities, and ability to address the party’s core challenges, rather than on short-term electoral considerations. They should also consider the importance of unity and cohesion in rebuilding the party’s strength.

FAQ

Conclusion

The NPP’s reflection on its 2024 defeat reveals a party focused on addressing the root causes of its loss rather than assigning blame to individual candidates. Nana Akomea’s defense of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy is grounded in data and a commitment to the party’s long-term goals. As the NPP prepares for the 2026 presidential primaries, the emphasis on economic recovery, voter engagement, and organizational renewal will be crucial to its prospects for regaining power. The party’s ability to learn from its mistakes and adapt to changing political realities will determine its future success.