The recent defeat of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in both the presidential and parliamentary elections has sparked considerable debate among political analysts and academics alike.
One such critic, Professor Enoch Opoku Antwi, an Associate Professor of Leadership and Management at Viterbo University, has blamed the NPP for their lackluster approach to the election campaign, which ultimately led to their downfall.
In an exclusive interview with renowned broadcast journalist Afia Pokua, known as Vim Lady, Professor Antwi explained that the NPP’s performance in the 2024 elections could have been avoided if the party had taken a more proactive stance in their campaigning.
“The NDC did their homework,” he said, “they reached every corner of the country, engaging the people and delivering their message effectively. The NPP, on the other hand, appeared distracted.”
Professor Antwi went further to point out that the NPP’s failure to connect with the electorate was evident in their choice of campaign strategy.
“While the NDC had a strong, resonating campaign anthem that energized the masses, the NPP seemed preoccupied with dancing to King Paluta’s ‘Sisi fia’ from the song ‘Makoma’.
How can a party that wants to win a national election spend so much time on gimmicks instead of focusing on the real issues that matter to the people?”
The Professor didn’t mince his words when discussing the aftermath of the election.
He described the NPP’s poor performance as a result of their own complacency, leading to what he termed a “Sisi fia minority” in Parliament, with the NDC unexpectedly securing a two-thirds majority.
“The NPP only has themselves to blame,” he emphasized.
“They were caught in their own web of distractions, and now they will face the consequences of their lack of focus.”
Despite his criticism of the NPP’s campaign strategy, Professor Antwi did acknowledge the work ethic of NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Bawumia ran one of the most commendable campaigns under difficult circumstances,” he said.
“He showed resilience and dedication, and his efforts should not be underestimated.” he stressed.
