We had monumental toughen from the NPP base to win 2024 elections – Mustapha Gbande finds – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The 2024 Ghanaian elections marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returned to power after a period in opposition. Central to this electoral shift was the strategic mobilization of support from diverse groups, including a surprising source: members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). In a revealing interview, Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, disclosed that the NDC’s victory was bolstered by “monumental toughen” from the NPP base. This article explores the dynamics of this cross-party support, its implications for Ghanaian politics, and the broader lessons for democratic engagement.

Understanding how internal dissent within the NPP contributed to the NDC’s success offers valuable insights into voter behavior, party loyalty, and the evolving nature of political coalitions in Ghana. This analysis is essential for political analysts, party strategists, and citizens interested in the intricacies of electoral politics and democratic governance.

Key Points

Background

The 2016 Election and Its Aftermath

The 2016 Ghanaian elections were a turning point that saw the NDC, led by President John Mahama, lose to the NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo. The defeat was attributed to economic challenges, including inflation and currency depreciation, as well as voter fatigue. Gbande acknowledged that both the NDC and the Ghanaian electorate made mistakes in 2016, particularly in not supporting Mahama’s development projects, which were subsequently abandoned.

The NPP’s subsequent tenure was marked by ambitious policies such as the Free Senior High School program and significant infrastructure investments. However, these were accompanied by rising public debt and economic pressures, which created discontent among voters who felt that the government’s priorities were misaligned.

The 2024 Electoral Context

By 2024, Ghana faced renewed economic challenges, including high inflation, debt sustainability concerns, and youth unemployment. These issues provided a fertile ground for opposition parties to mobilize support. The NDC, under the leadership of John Mahama, positioned itself as a party of change, promising to restore economic stability and continue with development projects that had been initiated but not completed during Mahama’s previous administration.

The NDC’s campaign was notable for its emphasis on competence, experience, and inclusivity. The selection of a female running mate was a strategic move that not only addressed gender representation but also broadened the party’s appeal to women and progressive voters.

Analysis

The Role of Cross-Party Support

Gbande’s revelation that the NDC received significant support from within the NPP base is a testament to the fluidity of party loyalty in Ghanaian politics. This support was not merely symbolic but was driven by substantive concerns about governance and the direction of the country. Many NPP members and supporters felt that their party had strayed from its core principles and was no longer serving the national interest.

Cross-party support is not unprecedented in Ghanaian politics, but its scale in 2024 was notable. It reflected a pragmatic approach among voters who prioritized national stability and economic recovery over partisan loyalty. This shift also underscores the importance of internal party democracy and the need for parties to remain responsive to both their members and the broader electorate.

Strategic Mobilization and Coalition Building

The NDC’s success in 2024 was the result of a well-orchestrated campaign that emphasized unity, competence, and a clear vision for the future. The party’s leadership worked to reconcile internal factions and build a broad coalition that included civil society organizations, the media, and disaffected members of the NPP.

Gbande highlighted the importance of this coalition, stating that it was not just an NDC victory but a collective effort by all those who believed in the need for change. The NDC’s ability to frame the election as a choice between competent governance and national decline was crucial in attracting voters from across the political spectrum.

Implications for Ghanaian Democracy

The 2024 elections demonstrated the maturity of Ghana’s democracy, where voters are increasingly willing to hold parties accountable and switch allegiances based on performance. This trend encourages parties to focus on governance and policy rather than relying on historical loyalty or ethnic affiliations.

However, the rise of cross-party support also poses challenges for party cohesion and long-term political stability. Parties must navigate the fine line between maintaining their core identity and adapting to changing voter preferences. The NPP, in particular, faces the task of addressing internal divisions and redefining its message to regain lost support.

Practical Advice

For Political Parties

• Engage in Self-Reflection: Parties should regularly assess their policies and leadership to ensure they align with voter expectations and national interests.
• Foster Internal Democracy: Encourage open dialogue and dissent within the party to prevent the alienation of members and supporters.
• Build Inclusive Platforms: Develop policies that appeal to a broad cross-section of society, including marginalized groups and voters from other parties.
• Focus on Governance: Prioritize effective governance and policy outcomes over partisan politics to build long-term credibility.

For Voters

• Stay Informed: Rely on credible sources of information to make informed decisions about candidates and policies.
• Hold Leaders Accountable: Use elections as an opportunity to reward good governance and punish corruption or incompetence.
• Participate in Civic Activities: Engage in civic education and voter mobilization efforts to strengthen democratic participation.

For Civil Society

• Promote Dialogue: Facilitate discussions between parties and voters to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding.
• Monitor Elections: Ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent to maintain public trust in the democratic process.
• Advocate for Reform: Push for electoral and political reforms that enhance accountability and representation.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2024 Ghanaian elections revealed the profound impact of cross-party support on electoral outcomes. Mustapha Gbande’s disclosure that the NDC received “monumental toughen from the NPP base” underscores the evolving nature of Ghanaian politics, where voter allegiance is increasingly contingent on performance and governance. This shift reflects a maturing democracy in which citizens are willing to prioritize national interests over partisan loyalty.

For political parties, the lesson is clear: maintaining voter support requires continuous engagement, self-reflection, and a commitment to effective governance. For voters, the 2024 elections serve as a reminder of the power of collective action in shaping the nation’s future. As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of democratic governance, the role of cross-party support will remain a critical factor in determining political success.

The 2024 elections were not just a victory for the NDC but a testament to the resilience and dynamism of Ghana’s democracy. By fostering dialogue, promoting accountability, and embracing inclusivity, Ghana can build a political culture that serves the needs of all its citizens.

Sources

• Interview with Mustapha Gbande on Joy News’ PM Express, December 10, 2024.
• Ghana Electoral Commission reports on the 2024 elections.
• Analysis of Ghanaian political trends by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER).
• Reports on economic conditions in Ghana by the Bank of Ghana and the World Bank.
• Commentary on Ghanaian democracy by the Ghana Center for Democratic Governance.