Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has recalled an unheeded warning from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which he believes contributed to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) poor performance in the 2024 elections.
Speaking on Nhyira FM, the former Suame MP revealed that in 2017, the Ashanti overlord cautioned President Akufo-Addo that hunger and anger led to the downfall of John Mahama’s government in 2016.
He warned that if similar conditions persisted under Akufo-Addo’s administration, history would repeat itself.
Reflecting on the party’s loss, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that unlike in previous elections, there was a lack of enthusiastic crowds to welcome Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during his campaign, indicating a growing disconnect between the party and the electorate.
As chairman of the NPP manifesto committee, he admitted that the lack of energy during Dr. Bawumia’s campaign foreshadowed the challenges the party faced. While they remained hopeful, economic hardships had already eroded voter confidence.
He suggested that if the elections had taken place in August instead of December, Dr. Bawumia might have secured only 30% of the votes against John Mahama, as economic conditions only began to improve closer to election day.
Several issues contributed to the NPP’s electoral loss, including economic hardship, perceptions of corruption, and a leadership style viewed as rigid and disconnected from the people. Many believed that the government was dominated by a small inner circle, leading to frustration among party members and the general public.
There was also a perception that Dr. Bawumia was merely an extension of President Akufo-Addo, which undermined his ability to inspire confidence as an independent leader.
Regional grievances played a significant role as well. In the Ashanti Region—an NPP stronghold—many voters felt neglected due to a lack of infrastructure development. Internal party divisions and factionalism further weakened their support base.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasised the need for introspection and reforms within the party.
He acknowledged that party supporters had openly voiced their grievances, which he saw as a positive sign that they were still willing to engage if meaningful changes were made.
The political future of Dr. Bawumia remains uncertain. While Ashanti Region’s post-election analysis did not attribute the loss to his religion or ethnicity, the broader national feedback will ultimately determine his viability as a future flagbearer.
Additionally, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh (Napo) as Bawumia’s running mate was an attempt to unify the party.
However, despite high expectations, Napo did not deliver the anticipated youth support.
As the NPP looks ahead, the former majority leader stressed the need for strategic reforms to rebuild public trust and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.