Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament-elect for Ketu North, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to move beyond assigning blame for their defeat in the 2024 elections and instead engage in a thorough self-assessment. His advice comes as the NPP grapples with significant losses in the polls, including their defeat in the presidential race and a drastic reduction in parliamentary seats.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Point Blank segment of Eyewitness News on Friday, December 13, Agbana addressed the NPP’s public post-mortem of their electoral performance, particularly their focus on voter apathy as a key reason for their defeat. He emphasized that voter apathy was not an issue exclusive to the NPP but one that affected all political parties in the recently concluded elections.
“I think that if I have any advice to give my friends in the NPP, they need to get back to the drawing board and do some deep assessment of what happened, what caused their defeat, rather than being on the fence and still engaging in the blame game, blaming apathy and all of that. The apathy did not affect only the NPP; it affected all of us,” Agbana remarked.
The NPP’s defeat in the December 7 elections has sparked widespread discourse, with several party insiders and political analysts attributing their loss to low voter turnout among their traditional support base. However, Agbana suggested that the NPP’s focus on voter apathy is a distraction from deeper issues that require attention.
He noted that the NDC, despite facing similar challenges with voter apathy, managed to secure a decisive victory. John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, received 56.55% of the votes, while his closest contender, the NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, garnered 41.61%. The NDC also claimed a strong parliamentary majority, securing over 180 seats.
Agbana pointed to this outcome as evidence that voter apathy alone does not account for the NPP’s poor performance. Instead, he urged the party to critically examine its governance record, campaign strategy, and engagement with citizens over the past four years.
“Every party faces challenges with voter turnout, but what differentiates success from failure is how well you address the underlying concerns of the electorate. The NPP needs to ask itself tough questions about its policies, leadership, and overall connection with the people,” he added.
Agbana’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among political observers who argue that the NPP’s loss was largely a result of dissatisfaction with their governance. Issues such as economic challenges, the rising cost of living, and allegations of corruption under the NPP administration were widely cited as key factors influencing voter behavior.
The MP-elect also cautioned against a narrow focus on external factors, such as alleged electoral irregularities or the NDC’s campaign tactics. He emphasized the importance of introspection and accountability within the NPP.
“This is not the time for finger-pointing. It is a time for reflection and honesty. The NPP must look inward and identify where they went wrong. Whether it was their policies, their messaging, or their approach to governance, they need to take responsibility for their loss,” Agbana stated.
While Agbana expressed optimism about the NDC’s ability to deliver on its promises, he acknowledged that the road ahead would be challenging. He urged all political parties to prioritize the needs of Ghanaians and work collectively to address the nation’s pressing issues.
“The elections are over, but the real work begins now. The NDC has been given a mandate, and we must honor it by staying focused on the needs of the people. At the same time, the NPP, as the main opposition, has a critical role to play in holding the government accountable and contributing to national development,” Agbana said.
Political analysts have echoed Agbana’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of rebuilding public trust in the political process. They argue that the NPP’s ability to bounce back in future elections will depend largely on their willingness to listen to the electorate and implement meaningful reforms.
As the dust settles on the 2024 elections, the NPP faces a pivotal moment in its history. With key voices like Edem Agbana calling for introspection and reform, the party has an opportunity to learn from its defeat and reestablish itself as a credible alternative in Ghana’s political landscape.
For now, the focus remains on the NDC’s incoming administration and its plans to address the challenges facing the nation. However, the lessons of the 2024 elections will undoubtedly shape the course of Ghana’s political future for years to come.
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