In a report by Citi Newsroom, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate for the 2024 general election, has linked the party’s defeat in the December 7 polls to internal governance issues rather than economic mismanagement.
The NPP, aiming for a third consecutive term, was unable to secure victory as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) won decisively, reinstating former President John Dramani Mahama to power.
During an interview with Umaru Sanda, NAPO pointed to unresolved internal conflicts and organisational shortcomings within the NPP as primary reasons for the party’s loss, noting that these problems had persisted over time.
“MPs were urging people to vote, but they refused. This isn’t about economic mismanagement; it’s about a deep-rooted issue the party has failed to tackle,” he said.
Reflecting on past events, NAPO referenced the NPP’s decision to boycott Parliament after the contested 1992 elections as a critical learning experience.
“In 1992, we had no representation in Parliament. Both the country and the party learnt from that. After losing the presidential and parliamentary elections that year, the party declared the results fraudulent and chose to boycott Parliament. It was a party decision. Later, they realised it was better to have a few seats in Parliament than none at all. The party and the country evolved,” he explained.
NAPO emphasised that the NPP’s current struggles are part of a recurring pattern of governance challenges within the party, which must be resolved to ensure future electoral success.
“You can’t assume you’ll always have control over everything. Sometimes, unforeseen events can impact you, and there’s little you can do. The NPP isn’t the only party that has faced such setbacks,” he added.
NAPO’s remarks underscore the need for the NPP to engage in self-reflection as it transitions into opposition. With the loss marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political history, his observations serve as a call for the party to address its internal issues and rebuild its foundation for future elections.