Politics

Election: Bawumia would have polled about 30% in August 2024 – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has shared insights into the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 election defeat.

In an interview with Nhyira FM, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated that if the elections had been held in August 2024, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would have polled around 30% against John Mahama.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that the NPP’s campaign lacked enthusiasm, which was evident in the absence of large crowds in towns and cities, a common sight in previous elections. He acknowledged that the party’s internal delegate system for selecting leaders affected grassroots mobilization.

The former Majority Leader also cited warnings from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to President Akufo-Addo in 2017 about the dangers of allowing Ghanaians to become “hungry and angry.” However, this warning was ignored, and the economic struggles that followed the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the party’s fortunes.

Additionally, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu mentioned that perceptions of corruption, President Akufo-Addo’s leadership style, and accusations of family control further alienated voters. Dr. Bawumia’s close association with the President and his ethnicity also raised concerns among some voters.

The NPP’s traditional stronghold, the Ashanti Region, felt neglected in terms of infrastructure development, creating a disconnect between the regional and constituency levels of the party. Despite these challenges, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed that many NPP supporters were open about their grievances and indicated that they would return if necessary changes were made.

Regarding the party’s future leadership, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated that any potential flagbearer would need to build upon former President Akufo-Addo’s legacy. The future of Dr. Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer and his choice of running mate would depend on findings from the remaining regions.