adverts
60% of NPP Defeat in 2024 Attributed to Akufo-Addo’s Leadership – Dr. Jonathan Asante
Political Science lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Jonathan Asante, has attributed 60 percent of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections to the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Asante’s remarks follow comments by Sammy Crabbe, a former vice chairman of the NPP, who described the party as weakened and lacking the strength it once had. Speaking to Citi News, the lecturer pointed to a neglect of party structures and an overreliance on centralised decision-making as critical factors in the party’s electoral downfall.
Drawing on a metaphor from the Bible, Dr. Asante likened the NPP’s loss to a case where “the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
adverts
He emphasised that former President Akufo-Addo’s leadership significantly contributed to the defeat of the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the presidential race.
“I think Mr. Akufo-Addo contributed about 60 percent to Dr. Bawumia’s defeat, and Dr. Bawumia himself contributed about 40 percent,” Dr. Asante noted.
He added that arrogance among government appointees, coupled with a lack of accountability, eroded public goodwill toward the party, further compounding its challenges.
The political scientist criticised the NPP’s internal organisation, describing it as a “one-man show” under Akufo-Addo’s tenure. This approach, he said, weakened the party’s grassroots support and its ability to effectively mobilise voters.
“The structures are weak in the sense that it was more or less like a one-man show. The party’s neglect of its grassroots base and the over-centralisation of decision-making alienated many loyal supporters,” Dr. Asante explained.
While reflecting on the NPP’s defeat, Dr. Asante turned his attention to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), noting that the party’s future electoral success hinges on the performance of the current Mahama-led administration.
“If the Mahama administration delivers on its promises and meets the expectations of Ghanaians, the NDC could solidify its position. However, any missteps could provide the NPP with an opportunity for a comeback,” he stated.
