The Writer, Erica Atika Mohammed
Here are 8 reasons that likely contributed to the defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 Ghanaian general elections, with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the flagbearer, based on available insights and context surrounding the election:
1 Economic Crisis and Cost of Living: Ghana faced its worst economic crisis in decades, with soaring inflation (peaking in late 2022) and a depreciating cedi.
This led to a sharp rise in the cost of living, which alienated voters who blamed the NPP’s economic management, particularly Bawumia as head of the Economic Management Team.
The latter started on a good economic recovery note from 2017, while stabilising the Cedi and stabilizing electric power to the households in the country. But unfortunately, COVID struck very hard and destabilised to economy since majority of what the government could do was to save lives first and restart the turbines of the economy later. Expenses was off the roof in a very skyrocketing manner and that had an effect on the government economic growth.
2 Low Voter Turnout: Bawumia himself highlighted an unexpectedly low voter turnout among NPP supporters as a critical factor. Despite extensive campaigning, many party faithful did not show up to vote, weakening the NPP’s performance across constituencies.
3 Incumbency Fatigue: After eight years in power under President Nana Akufo-Addo, the NPP faced voter fatigue. No party in Ghana’s Fourth Republic had won three consecutive terms, and the public’s desire for change worked against the NPP’s bid to extend its rule even though was was evidence of infrastructure growth, educational investment, health advancements and a stable electric grid system where 98% of households had light.
4 Unemployment and Youth Discontent: High youth unemployment remained a pressing issue. Bawumia’s promise of a “digital economy” to create jobs failed to resonate strongly enough with a frustrated youth demographic seeking immediate solutions rather than long-term visions.
There was less advocacy and sensitization to the grassroots for them to understand the digital age of progress in the country. Unfortunately, the uncommon economic stunt is the purchasing power of the Ghanaian as at that particular moment. To buy kenkey and the price at which it was bought. If the pocket is heavy on such, the government of the day would be unpopular within the rank and file of citizens
5 Pride and Arrogance- In elucidating this brief, it was pertinent to note that many of the holders of power became acquainted with it and shunned the humility and respect that brought them on. They spoke embarrassingly when on radio or on Tv and were even ever ready to attack and harass other even on camera.
Even the president was a master of this craft where he was seen ordering chiefs and others to either stand up and greet him or kowtow to his powers. The love for him degraded into hate, day after day as he lost votes in the count.. Ghanaians love a humble leader.
6. Failure to Deliver Key Promises: The NPP struggled to fulfill flagship promises like transforming the economy and improving living standards. Voters felt the party overpromised and underdelivered, especially amidst the economic downturn.
7. Regional Disillusionment: Even in traditional NPP strongholds like the Ashanti Region, voter apathy and dissatisfaction were evident. Research cited by Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu showed no issue with Bawumia’s candidacy itself but reflected broader discontent with the party’s performance.
8. Perception of Bawumia’s Role: As Vice President, Bawumia was tied to the Akufo-Addo administration’s unpopular decisions such as e-levy and betting tax among others. His attempts to distance himself (e.g., calling himself “the driver’s mate”) failed to absolve him of responsibility for the economic hardships in the eyes of many voters.
These factors combined to create a challenging electoral environment for the NPP, leading to a decisive victory for the NDC’s John Mahama, who secured 56.% of the presidential vote compared to Bawumia’s 42%, alongside a parliamentary landslide of 183 seats to the NPP’s 88, as confirmed by the Electoral Commission on December 9, 2024.
