E-Levy, Haircut, National Cathedral, And Arrogance Caused Our Defeat – Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Admits

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has begun a critical introspection following its defeat in the 2024 general elections, with its presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, openly acknowledging that the party’s unpopular policies and disconnect from the electorate led to its downfall.

Speaking at the Takoradi Technical University during the NPP’s nationwide “In All Things, Give Thanks to God” tour, Dr. Bawumia conceded that the party ignored public sentiment on key issues, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction. He cited the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the domestic debt exchange programme, and the stalled National Cathedral project as major factors that alienated voters.

Ignoring Public Sentiment

Dr. Bawumia admitted that the NPP leadership failed to heed calls for a reshuffle of government appointees and disregarded opposition to the E-Levy, which affected millions of mobile money users.

“Ghanaians clearly rejected the E-Levy, but we proceeded regardless,” he said. “With nearly 16 million mobile money subscribers, the policy touched almost every household, creating resentment.”

The domestic debt exchange programme, which impacted approximately 800,000 bondholders and their dependents, further eroded public trust. “This was a significant political miscalculation,” Dr. Bawumia acknowledged.

Controversy Over National Cathedral

The National Cathedral project, which consumed about $58 million without significant progress, also fueled public anger. “Citizens questioned why such a huge sum was spent with little to show for it,” he lamented.

Economic Hardships and Last-Minute Fuel Price Hikes

Dr. Bawumia highlighted rising living costs, soaring commodity prices, and an eleventh-hour increase in fuel prices just days before the elections as additional grievances. “The fuel price hike three days before voting worsened the situation, angering drivers and transport operators,” he noted.

Delayed payments to beneficiaries of government initiatives, such as the Nation Builders’ Corps (NaBCo), the Afforestation Programme, and the School Feeding Programme, also alienated key voter blocs. “These groups, numbering in the tens of thousands, turned against us,” he said.

Low Voter Turnout and Internal Party Issues

Dr. Bawumia dismissed claims that religion or tribalism influenced the outcome, attributing the loss instead to voter apathy. “Turnout was historically low nationwide, with about 2.1 million NPP supporters staying home,” he revealed. “People abstained not because of ethnicity or faith, but due to dissatisfaction.”

He also acknowledged the party’s failure to complete key infrastructure projects in its strongholds, including the PTC Interchange and Takoradi Market Circle in the Western Region, as well as road projects in Mpohor and Shama.

Path to Recovery

In response to the defeat, the NPP has commissioned the Mike Oquaye Committee to analyze the loss and recommend reforms. Dr. Bawumia hinted at possible changes to the party’s delegate system, admitting that internal dynamics contributed to the electoral setback.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the NPP’s resurgence. “2028 will be the year of the elephant,” he declared. “We have learned painful lessons but will emerge stronger.”

NPP National Chairman Stephen Ntim urged unity among members, while General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua called for proposals ahead of the party’s extraordinary delegates’ conference in July.

As the NPP seeks to rebuild, its leadership recognizes that reconnecting with voters and addressing past mistakes will be crucial in reclaiming power in the next election cycle.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com