Why the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Lost the 2024 General Election – William Boadi, Educate Africa Institute (EAI)
The 2024 general election in Ghana marked a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape. The New Patriotic Party (NPP), which had governed for eight years, suffered a resounding defeat. While the reasons for this outcome are multifaceted, three key issues stood out in the public discourse: the government’s handling of the economy, often attributed to the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19, and the controversial implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
For years, Ghanaians voiced their frustrations over the worsening economic situation. Whenever the government was questioned about the declining economy, the standard response was to blame external factors, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and, to some extent, the lingering effects of COVID-19. While these external events undoubtedly impacted global supply chains and commodity prices, many Ghanaians felt these excuses were overused and failed to address deeper structural issues in the country’s economy. Citizens expected proactive solutions and innovative policies to mitigate economic challenges, but the NPP’s response seemed repetitive and unconvincing.
Additionally, corruption appeared to be nurtured and allowed to grow, infiltrating various sectors of governance. The involvement of family members in government and the inflation of costs for sole-sourced contracts, including the controversial and intangible national cathedral project, only fueled public dissatisfaction. These actions were perceived as a betrayal of the trust reposed in the NPP, further eroding their credibility and alienating many voters.
The Free SHS policy, initially lauded as a bold and progressive initiative, became another contentious issue. While the policy aimed to increase access to education, its implementation was fraught with challenges. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient funding left many questioning whether the policy had been properly planned. Instead of addressing these concerns head-on, government officials repeatedly pointed to Free SHS as their flagship achievement, even as its flaws became more evident. For many Ghanaians, the policy symbolized the government’s inability to deliver quality over quantity.
As the election drew closer, the NPP’s messaging did little to inspire confidence. The reliance on the Russia-Ukraine war, COVID-19, and the Free SHS policy as the primary explanations for the country’s challenges made it appear as though the government had no better narrative to offer. Furthermore, the campaign message of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, and his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), was criticized for being uninspiring and failing to address pressing national issues. Ghanaians wanted tangible solutions to unemployment, rising inflation, and crumbling social services—not excuses or deflections.
In the end, the NPP’s failure to present a compelling vision for the future cost them the election. The Ghanaian electorate demanded accountability, innovation, and leadership. When these were not forthcoming, they chose to chart a new course. The outcome of the 2024 general election serves as a clear message to political leaders: excuses and half-measures will not suffice in addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
The Educate Africa Institute (EAI) urges the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to learn from this defeat, fulfill their promises, and work diligently to address the nation’s challenges to avoid a similar fate in future elections.
Signed:
William Boadi
Executive Director, Educate Africa Institute (EAI)
EAI: EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.