“If elections were held in Aug 2024, Bawumia would have recorded 30%”-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

In a recent interview with Nhyira FM, former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu openly discussed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) difficulties during the 2024 general elections. As the chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu provided valuable insights into the party’s struggles and offered an assessment of its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign. He acknowledged that the campaign lacked the enthusiasm the party had experienced in previous elections, particularly noting the impact of the party’s internal challenges and the economic difficulties facing Ghanaians.

A campaign struggling with enthusiasm

Reflecting on the 2024 election, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu remarked that the lack of excitement was evident even before the election day. Historically, large crowds would gather at rallies, but this time, they were notably absent, especially in the Ashanti Region, the party’s stronghold. He observed that while they had hoped for better results, the enthusiasm that typically drives voter support was missing. According to him, if the election had been held earlier in the year, particularly in August 2024, Dr. Bawumia would have only garnered around 30% of the vote, with economic hardships severely affecting public opinion.

He emphasized that the economic situation improved as the election approached, allowing Bawumia to eventually secure 4,877,611 votes (41.75%). However, this result still fell short of winning against his key opponent, John Mahama, who won 6,591,790 votes (56.42%).

Internal struggles and economic hardships

Key factors behind the NPP’s defeat were outlined by Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, particularly issues related to the party’s internal delegate system. This system affected grassroots mobilization and weakened the connection between the party’s leadership and its base. He also pointed to the severe economic hardships, exacerbated by the aftermath of COVID-19 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. These global events led to inflation and other economic challenges, causing public confidence in the party to diminish.

The Asantehene’s warning and its implications

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recalled a significant warning from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in 2017, urging President Akufo-Addo not to allow Ghanaians to become “hungry and angry.” Unfortunately, this caution went unheeded, and the party’s fortunes were greatly affected by the economic decline. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also noted concerns over the public’s perception of corruption within the government, with allegations of nepotism and undue influence from the Akufo-Addo family tarnishing the party’s image.

Dr. Bawumia’s association with President Akufo-Addo and regional tensions

Another critical factor was the perception of Dr. Bawumia’s close ties to President Akufo-Addo, which some voters interpreted as a sign of continuity and a rigid, single-minded leadership style. His ethnic background as a Mamprusi also contributed to concerns, particularly in the north, where tensions in places like Bawku added complexity to his candidacy.

Neglect in the Ashanti Region: A key concern

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also noted that the Ashanti region, traditionally a stronghold for the NPP, felt neglected in terms of infrastructure development. This created a disconnect between the regional and constituency levels, weakening the party’s support in the area. Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic, stating that many NPP supporters were willing to return to the fold if the necessary changes were made within the party.

Future, leadership and unity

As the NPP looks to the future, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that the party’s leadership would need to build upon the legacy of President Akufo-Addo, even though he is no longer the party leader. Whether Dr. Bawumia continues as the party’s flagbearer, however, depends on the findings from the remaining 15 regions. So far, feedback from the Ashanti region indicated that the loss was not due to Bawumia’s religion or ethnicity, but there was a wait to hear from other regions before making a final decision.

Running mate ecision: Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh’s strategic role

The selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate was another critical decision discussed by Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. Despite widespread suggestions for him to take the position, Opoku-Prempeh declined. Dr. Bawumia ultimately chose him due to his parliamentary experience and his roots in the Ashanti region. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that Opoku-Prempeh’s selection was also aimed at bridging the divide between factions within the party, including the Kufuor/Kyerematen and Akufo-Addo/Adu Boahen factions. While expectations were high that he would energize the youth vote, that potential remained largely unfulfilled.

A turning point for the NPP

As the NPP assesses its future, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu suggested that the party must heed the lessons learned from the 2024 elections. The results have been a sobering reminder that internal unity, economic stability, and a connection to grassroots supporters are key to winning future elections. Moving forward, the NPP will need to address its internal divisions and address voter concerns to remain a competitive force in Ghana’s political landscape.