NPP Forms 12-Member Committee To Review 2024 Election Defeat

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has appointed former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, to lead an 11-member committee tasked with investigating the party’s defeat in Ghana’s 2024 general elections. The committee has a three-month mandate to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide recommendations to strengthen the party’s prospects in future elections.

Scope of the Investigation

The committee’s work will focus on:

• Internal Elections: Assessing the processes and outcomes of candidate selection within the party.
• Campaign Strategies: Reviewing the effectiveness of the party’s messaging, resource allocation, and outreach efforts.
• Challenges: Identifying internal and external factors that contributed to the electoral loss.

According to Justin Frimpong Kodua, the NPP’s General Secretary, the goal is to “conduct a thorough review and propose actionable solutions to improve the party’s operations and electoral strategies.”

The 2024 Election Results

The 2024 elections marked a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape. Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won decisively with 6,328,397 votes (56.55%), defeating the NPP’s candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).

The NDC’s victory extended to Parliament, where the party secured over 180 seats, including several constituencies previously held by the NPP. This majority bolsters Mahama’s mandate as he prepares for his third term as President.

Implications for the NPP

The defeat highlights critical challenges within the NPP, including campaign management, internal cohesion, and voter engagement. The party now faces the task of rebuilding its base and addressing perceived shortcomings to regain public trust and competitiveness.

A Path Forward

The Prof. Mike Oquaye-led committee is expected to propose measures that will:

• Address internal divisions and enhance unity within the party.
• Develop more effective campaign strategies tailored to the electorate’s needs.
• Strengthen grassroots mobilization and voter outreach efforts.

The NPP’s initiative to investigate its 2024 electoral loss is a crucial step toward introspection and reform. With the party’s leadership committed to rebuilding, the findings and recommendations of the committee could play a pivotal role in shaping the NPP’s future trajectory in Ghana’s political landscape.