Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah, Deputy Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has blamed the party’s disappointing performance in the 2024 general elections on the choice of its presidential candidate. Speaking on Oyerepa TV, he claimed that the selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer alienated a significant portion of the party’s support base, leading to widespread voter apathy.

Owusu Bempah alleged that over two million NPP members chose not to participate in the election because they were dissatisfied with the party’s decision. He recounted a personal encounter with a taxi driver, who, despite being an NPP member, voted for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to the driver, the party’s chosen candidate did not represent the interests of the grassroots, prompting him to cast his ballot for the rival party.

Although Owusu Bempah provided no empirical evidence to support his figure of 2.1 million non-voters, he insisted the number reflected the deep-seated frustration among the party’s rank and file. He challenged journalists and political observers to investigate on the ground, stating that if they spoke to ordinary citizens, they would uncover widespread discontent with the party’s leadership decisions.

He expressed strong disapproval of how the party leadership handled the candidate selection process, accusing them of ignoring the concerns and preferences of the party base. He believes this disconnect led to many loyal NPP supporters staying away from the polls.

Looking ahead, Owusu Bempah mentioned the work of Prof. Mike Oquaye’s Committee, which is tasked with reviewing the 2024 election results and providing recommendations. He expressed hope that the committee’s report would shed light on the internal challenges that contributed to the party’s loss and offer solutions for rebuilding the party’s credibility and support.

His comments come at a time when the NPP is trying to regroup and strategize for future elections. Other party members, including former Member of Parliament Adwoa Safo, have defended Dr. Bawumia, urging critics not to blame him solely for the defeat. Meanwhile, the party leadership is being urged to conduct a thorough evaluation and reconnect with the grassroots to restore unity and trust.

Owusu Bempah’s assertions have sparked debate within political circles, with some viewing them as a reflection of internal dissatisfaction, while others question the lack of concrete data behind his claims. Nonetheless, his statements highlight the growing call for introspection within the NPP as it navigates its post-election recovery.