Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President and a leading figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has openly acknowledged that the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections was largely due to the high cost of living and a perception of arrogance among those in power.
Addressing party members during a recent internal review meeting, Dr. Bawumia referenced multiple post-election reports and independent assessments that pointed to widespread public dissatisfaction with the government’s economic management and attitude. According to him, these two critical factors—soaring living expenses and a disconnection from the ordinary citizen—played decisive roles in shaping voter sentiment.
“Every single report we have received, both internal and external, points to the fact that the high cost of living weighed heavily on the electorate,” Dr. Bawumia said. “Added to that was the perception that we became arrogant in our governance, ignoring the real struggles of the people.”
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that while various achievements were chalked up during the NPP’s time in office, these successes were overshadowed by daily hardships faced by Ghanaians. From the rising prices of essential goods to the increasing burden of utility tariffs, many citizens found it difficult to meet basic needs, leading to widespread disillusionment.
He further stressed that the image of the government as detached and unresponsive severely damaged public trust. “Leadership must always be humble and in tune with the people’s reality,” he added, urging the next generation of leaders within the party to learn critical lessons from the defeat.
Moving forward, Dr. Bawumia called for a complete re-evaluation of policies and political culture within the NPP. He proposed deeper engagement with grassroots supporters, swift action to tackle economic hardships, and cultivating a leadership style that values humility and empathy over power and prestige.
As preparations begin for the next electoral cycle, his remarks serve as a sobering reminder that political success in Ghana’s vibrant democracy hinges not just on policies and programs, but equally on the connection leaders maintain with the everyday struggles and aspirations of the people.
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