Weight of betrayal: How Nana Addo sank NPP

The results are in, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has suffered a historic and crippling defeat in the 2024 Election. 

John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured victory with 6,328,397 of the vote, compared to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s 4,657,304.

This is more than just a political shift – it’s a clear reflection of how deeply disappointed many Ghanaians feel about the past eight years under the NPP government.

While political narratives often attempt to oversimplify such losses, this one cannot be reduced to superficial explanations. Some have speculated that Dr Bawumia’s alleged lack of campaign effort contributed to the NPP’s downfall.

However, these claims do not hold up. Bawumia campaigned tirelessly and, contrary to the assumptions of some, even lost embarrassingly among Muslim voters. Religion and effort are not the culprits here.

Others argue that the NPP’s loss was inevitable because of Ghana’s so-called “eight-year cycle” which alternates power between the two main parties.

While historical patterns hold some sway, this reasoning overlooks a fundamental truth: the NPP could have broken the cycle if it had delivered on the promises that initially inspired Ghanaians to vote for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2016.

Hope, betrayal

Akufo-Addo entered office as a symbol of hope and integrity. For many, he represented a leader who could restore decency to Ghana’s politics, tackle entrenched corruption and rebuild an inclusive economy.

His campaign resonated not because of promises to build roads, schools and other infrastructure – those are standard expectations of any government – but because he was perceived as a reformer.

Many Ghanaians, myself included, believed he was the last hope for a transformative leader who would bring genuine accountability and integrity to public office.

Yet, the past eight years have left many feeling betrayed. Far from cracking down on corruption, his administration has been plagued by scandals that rank among the worst in Ghana’s recent history.

The economic mismanagement – though influenced by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic challenges – was largely a result of failed policies and poor governance.

Public frustration grew as government officials dismissed criticism with arrogance and further alienated citizens.

For many, these failures weren’t just disappointing – they were unforgivable betrayals of trust.

Referendum

This election was a referendum on Nana Addo’s presidency, not Dr Bawumia’s candidacy. The NPP's loss reflects the electorate’s disappointment with the party’s inability to uphold the values it once championed.

Had Akufo-Addo delivered on his promises of accountability and economic transformation, the NPP might have overcome historical trends and secured a third term.

Instead, Ghanaians felt let down by a leader who was supposed to restore their faith in politics but instead became a symbol of the very issues he pledged to fight.

Wake-up call

For the NPP, this defeat is a wake-up call. The party must return to its founding principles of accountability, service, and integrity.

It must acknowledge the failures of the past eight years, rebuild trust with its base, and reconnect with the youth and grassroots supporters who feel left behind. This moment is an opportunity to reflect deeply, learn and emerge stronger.

The NDC, on the other hand, must recognise that this victory is not an endorsement of complacency. Ghanaians have high expectations, and Mahama’s administration must prioritise economic stability, inclusivity, and an unyielding commitment to transparency.

Good governance

Finally, as Ghanaians, we must continue to demand better governance from all parties. The disappointment of the past eight years must serve as a lesson for everyone in power.

This is not just a loss for the NPP, but an opportunity for the entire political class to recommit to the principles of good governance.

Ghana deserves better, and it is up to all of us – citizens and leaders alike – to ensure that our nation moves toward a brighter future.