‘If elections were in August 2024, Bawumia would have polled about 30%’ – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has acknowledged that NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign lacked the expected enthusiasm, signaling the challenges ahead for the party in last year’s election.

In a recent interview with Nhyira FM, the chairman of the NPP’s manifesto committee, reflected on findings from the Ashanti Regional regarding the party’s significant loss in the 2024 elections.

He noted that in previous elections, large crowds would gather in towns and cities to show support, but this was notably absent in 2024.

‘I started seeing signs that the election would not be easy, but we still hoped for a better outcome. The fact that the elections were held in December allowed us to regain some support.

‘If they had been conducted in August, Dr Bawumia would have polled around 30% against John Mahama because, at that time, economic hardships were severe.

‘However, conditions improved as we approached the elections, including the economic situation,’ he said.

The NPP flagbearer polled 4,877,611 votes (41.75%) against his key contender John Mahama who got 6,591,790 (56.42%).

The Ashanti region findings highlighted key factors contributing to the NPP’s defeat.

Among them were the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders, which affected grassroots mobilisation, and the prevailing economic hardships, which eroded public confidence.

According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, President Akufo-Addo had been cautioned in 2017 by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II about the dangers of allowing Ghanaians to become “hungry and angry.”

He noted that this warning was ignored, and economic struggles following COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the party’s fortunes.

Additionally, perceptions of corruption, President Akufo-Addo’s leadership style – viewed as rigid and single-minded – and accusations that the government was controlled by his family further alienated voters.

There were also concerns that Dr Bawumia was too closely associated with the President and, being a Mamprusi, was linked to conflicts in the North, particularly in Bawku.

Another major concern was the perception that the Ashanti region, a traditional stronghold of the NPP, had been neglected in terms of infrastructure development.

This created a disconnect between the regional and constituency levels of the party.

Despite these challenges, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed that many NPP supporters were open about their grievances and indicated that they would return if necessary changes were made.

Regarding the party’s future leadership, he stated that while former President Akufo-Addo was no longer the party leader, any potential flagbearer would need to build upon his legacy.

As for whether Dr. Bawumia should continue as the party’s leader, he said this would depend on findings from the other 15 regions.

‘So far, respondents in the Ashanti region have said the loss was not related to Bawumia’s religion or ethnicity.

‘We are waiting to hear from the other regions on his candidature. If there is a consensus, that will guide our decision moving forward.

On Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh’s selection as Dr Bawumia’s running mate, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that while many people had urged him to take the position, he declined.

He noted that Dr Bawumia preferred a running mate from the Ashanti region with parliamentary experience, making Opoku-Prempeh a strategic choice.

“Napo is an experienced MP, and his age made him a viable successor should Dr Bawumia complete two terms.

‘His selection was also aimed at bridging the divide within the party between the Kufuor/Kyerematen and Akufo-Addo/Adu Boahen factions. While there were expectations that he would energise the youth vote, that did not materialise.’

Ultimately, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the future of Dr. Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer and his choice of running mate would depend on the findings from the remaining regions.