Ernest Owusu Bempah, Deputy Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has attributed the party’s dismal performance in the December 7, 2024, elections to the selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the presidential candidate. According to Bempah, approximately 2.1 million NPP members abstained from voting due to their disapproval of Bawumia’s candidacy.
Bempah cited instances where party loyalists, including a taxi driver who showed him his NPP party card, expressed dissatisfaction with the candidate selection and either voted for the opposition or abstained from voting. He emphasized that the party’s leadership failed to listen to members’ views during the candidate selection process, contributing to the low turnout.
Bempah believes the NPP chose the wrong candidate, leading to a significant number of party members not voting. Many NPP supporters felt disillusioned with the leadership’s choice, resulting in abstention from voting. Bempah insists that Dr. Bawumia should not be the party’s presidential candidate in the 2028 general elections.
The NPP has established Prof Mike Oquaye’s Committee to study the elections and provide recommendations for future improvement. Bempah awaits the committee’s report, expecting valuable insights into the party’s performance.
The NPP is currently focused on rebuilding its support base and re-engaging with its membership after a disappointing performance in the 2024 polls. The party’s ability to address internal concerns and adapt to changing voter dynamics will be crucial in determining its future success.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku.
