Outgoing NPP MP Blames Akufo-Addo for Party's Election Defeat
Outgoing Member of Parliament for Obuasi East, Edward Ennin, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections to the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo. Speaking during an interview with Berla Mundi on TV3 on December 9, 2024, Ennin did not mince words in holding the president accountable for the party’s poor performance.
“The president is also somebody we should blame for this defeat,” Ennin asserted. He expressed disappointment over what he described as internal mismanagement and unresolved issues within the party, which ultimately alienated voters. Ennin pointed out that sidelining key individuals and widespread perceptions of corruption under the NPP government were significant factors in the loss.
“It had to do with the corruption that people were talking about, and the president wasn’t ready to do anything about it,” he explained, referencing the widespread public dissatisfaction with how allegations of corruption were handled during Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Ennin further elaborated that the party leadership’s unwillingness to address grievances from within the ranks created divisions that weakened the NPP’s unity heading into the election. He noted that these divisions, combined with the public’s discontent over economic challenges and governance issues, paved the way for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, to secure a decisive victory.
According to the official results declared by the Electoral Commission, Mahama won the presidential race with 56.55% of the vote, leaving the NPP’s candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, with 41.61%. In addition, the NDC gained a significant majority in Parliament, further compounding the NPP’s loss.
Ennin’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some party members who believe that the NPP’s leadership, particularly under President Akufo-Addo, failed to address critical issues that were evident to both party insiders and the electorate. He emphasized that the defeat was not surprising to him, given the warning signs that had been ignored over the years.
As the NPP begins to regroup following the loss, Ennin’s candid assessment underscores the need for introspection and accountability within the party to rebuild trust among its members and the Ghanaian populace. His statements also highlight the significant challenges the NPP faces as it transitions into the opposition.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0