The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lacks the necessary credibility to make an impact in Ghana's 2028 general election. This assessment comes from Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mr. Gbande specifically questioned whether the NPP would accept responsibility for misusing and mismanaging state resources during its eight years in government. He argued that the party's recent internal executive changes were merely routine and did not address deeper issues of public trust. The new executives are largely long-standing members who contributed to the country's current challenges, he stated.
This critique places the NPP's electoral prospects within Ghana's broader political and economic narrative. The NPP experienced significant electoral losses in 2024, particularly in key regions. Data shows the party's parliamentary seats in Greater Accra fell from 21 in 2016 to just 5 in 2024. Even in its stronghold, the Ashanti Region, the NPP lost 8 of its 47 seats. The NDC's vote share also increased from 28 percent to 35 percent, indicating a shift in voter sentiment.
Mustapha Gbande emphasized that credibility is crucial for any party's success, regardless of its policy ideas. He alleged that the NPP's flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, supported several candidates who ultimately lost in the regional elections. This outcome, Gbande suggested, indicates a failure in the party's bottom-up reorganization approach. He believes the NPP missed an opportunity for serious reflection after its 2024 defeat.
The implications for Ghana's political landscape are significant. The NPP acknowledges its 2024 loss stemmed from voter perceptions of the economy, job availability, and the cost of living. The party aims to rebuild trust with members and re-engage floating voters. However, Mr. Gbande contends that Ghanaians now demand accountability for mismanagement and corruption. He highlighted the current NDC government's efforts to address issues left by the previous administration. Decision-makers within both major parties will closely monitor public sentiment regarding economic performance and governance ahead of the next election cycle.