Reshuffle your own team before criticising gov’t – Manteaw to Bawumia

Policy analyst Steve Manteaw says Mahamudu Bawumia must first overhaul his team before the New Patriotic Party demands a government reshuffle.

Mr. Manteaw argued that the NPP lacks the moral authority to push for changes within the current administration while its own flagbearer continues to work with individuals he believes contributed to the party’s electoral defeat.

“Until Bawumia reshuffles his team that led him into a disgraceful defeat, nobody from that camp should lecture us on reshuffling,” he wrote in a social media post.

His comments come amid increasing calls for President John Dramani Mahama to reshuffle his ministers and heads of state institutions, with critics insisting some appointees have not met expectations.

Mr. Manteaw defended the current government’s appointees, suggesting that criticisms from the opposition should be tempered by internal reflection within the NPP.

He maintained that it is inconsistent for party members to demand accountability from the government while overlooking shortcomings within their own ranks.

In recent days, proponents of a reshuffle have argued that the president has access to “equally quality human resources” capable of advancing his reset agenda more effectively.

However, Mr. Manteaw insists that the NPP must first address its internal issues, particularly the composition of Dr. Bawumia’s team, before engaging in public criticism.

Dr. Bawumia, who won the NPP’s presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, has pledged to unite the party and position it to reclaim power from the National Democratic Congress in the 2028 general elections.

Despite this, he has yet to make significant changes to his campaign structure, retaining several close allies, including former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Fred Oware, and Akosua Manu.

Mr. Manteaw’s remarks add to the growing political debate over leadership within both the ruling government and the opposition as the country gradually builds toward the next electoral cycle.