Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has attributed the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections primarily to two major issues: the controversy over the National Cathedral project and a sharp fuel price increase shortly before election day.
Speaking in Takoradi at the start of his nationwide Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia addressed concerns stemming from leaked findings of the Mike Oquaye Committee report, which suggested that his religious engagements may have contributed to the defeat.
He firmly dismissed these claims, insisting that the real causes were grounded in economic and governance challenges rather than religious or tribal sentiments.
“The National Cathedral we were not able to complete after $58 million was sunk into it caused a lot of rage in the public,” he stated.
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Dr. Bawumia explained that the incomplete state of the Cathedral, despite the substantial investment of public funds, significantly eroded the trust of the electorate and fueled widespread dissatisfaction.
He also highlighted the timing of a sudden fuel price increase — just three days before the election — as another critical factor that turned public sentiment against the NPP.
“When I heard it, I thought it was a joke. The drivers were angry at us. So, people went to vote against us with anger,” he recounted.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that internal investigations confirmed there was no significant religious or tribal influence in the party’s electoral loss.
“I am happy that there is no religious factor and tribal factor that caused our defeat,” he said.
As part of his address, Dr. Bawumia also reassured the NPP faithful that under the next NPP administration, youth employment and job creation would be prioritized.
“I assure you that in the next NPP administration, you will be prioritised for jobs,” he pledged.
The Thank You Tour, which marks an important phase of the NPP’s post-election engagement strategy, aims to reconnect with the party’s grassroots base and prepare for a stronger comeback in future elections.
