A fact-finding report led by former Majority Leader Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has outlined the key factors behind the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) heavy defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The report attributes the party’s poor performance—particularly in the Ashanti Region—to the leadership style of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which was perceived as rigid, single-minded, and dominated by family members.
Additionally, the selection process for the party’s presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives was cited as a major issue affecting voter confidence.
Key Findings on Akufo-Addo’s Leadership
The report revealed that 87% of respondents believed former President Akufo-Addo was indifferent to public sentiments and concerns.
While his first-term leadership was praised as responsive and effective, many respondents noted that his second term was marked by rigidity, vindictiveness, and an unwillingness to reshuffle ministers—especially his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
This, they said, weakened confidence in his leadership and contributed to the party’s electoral decline.
Bawumia’s Struggles and the Party’s Delegate System
Another major factor identified was the perception of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as merely an extension of Akufo-Addo.
A striking 78% of respondents felt Dr Bawumia’s association with the former president made it difficult for him to present himself as an independent leader, alienating many voters on the campaign trail.
The report also criticised the party’s delegate system for selecting candidates, describing it as a “cancerous” process that requires urgent reform. It recommended expanding the electoral college to be more inclusive, ensuring grassroots members have a greater stake in the party’s future.
Recommendations
The report recommends internal reforms to address structural defects within the party, including:
Eliminating internal apathy and monetization issues associated with delegate voting.
Prioritizing merit-based appointments to reassure party members that rewards and positions will be based on commitment and hard work.
Strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms to foster unity and avoid unnecessary divisions.
Reconnecting with the party’s traditional support base and mending strained relationships.
The fact-finding team also included Emelda Antwi, William Oppong Bio, Bernard Abdallah, Rose Hamilton, and Oheneba Owusu Danso.
The Supreme Court has granted a 4-1 majority decision to stay the High Court in Koforidua from sentencing Member of Parliament (MP) for the Akwatia Constituency, Ernest Yaw Kumi, in a contempt case.
The stay will remain in effect pending the final determination of a motion seeking to quash the ruling.
Justice Gabriel Pwamang dissented, while the remaining four members of the panel approved the stay.
Background
In a motion on notice for an order of certiorari and prohibition, the MP, through his counsel, contended that the High Court judge committed a jurisdictional error by assuming jurisdiction over the Parliamentary Election Petition for Akwatia Constituency, as the Electoral Commission had not yet published the Gazette Notification.
The MP argued that the High Court judge breached the rules of natural justice by proceeding to hear and determine the contempt application despite the pendency of his motion to set aside the contempt application for lack of jurisdiction. Additionally, he claimed that the judge was biased and prejudiced against him, particularly when he refused to grant his counsel audience, citing the lack of a formal “Appearance” filing in the contempt case.
The MP sought a declaration that the petition filed by Henry Boakye-Yiadom, the first Interested Party (IP), on December 31, 2024, was incompetent, as it did not properly invoke the jurisdiction of the High Court in the absence of the Gazette Notification of the Parliamentary Election result. He further argued that any order based on this petition would be void and of no effect.
Mr. Kumi also sought a declaration that the contempt proceedings and ruling dated February 19, 2025, based on the premature election petition filed on December 31, 2024, were void and without legal effect.
Finally, the MP requested an order of certiorari from the Supreme Court to quash the Koforidua High Court ruling dated February 19, 2025, the petition filed on December 31, 2024, and the interim injunction order issued on January 2, 2025, as well as the ruling on January 6, 2025, made pursuant to the premature election petition
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