By Issah Olegor
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 general elections, has openly acknowledged the reasons behind the party’s historic loss, pointing to the arrogance of power, economic hardships, and political missteps as key contributors.
Speaking during the NPP’s Thank You Tour in Takoradi on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Dr. Bawumia admitted, “We paid the price,” as he candidly reflected on the challenges that culminated in the party’s defeat.
The former Vice President-turned-flagbearer identified several factors that alienated the electorate and weakened the NPP’s stronghold.
Chief among them, he cited the “arrogance of power” that seeped into party ranks, causing a disconnect with the ordinary Ghanaian.
Dr Bawumia also highlighted the skyrocketing cost of living, failure to undertake a much-needed ministerial reshuffle, the controversial implementation of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy), and the painful financial haircut resulting from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed debt restructuring.
The 2024 defeat was a dramatic reversal for the NPP, which had been in power since 2017 under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Growing public discontent over economic management, worsened by global pressures and local policy decisions, eventually eroded the party’s support base.
In the final months leading up to the elections, internal strife and public outrage over issues such as job losses, inflation, and dwindling investor confidence became increasingly pronounced.
Speaking with a tone of humility during his address in Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia also turned his attention to the plight of dismissed workers who bore the brunt of the economic downturn.
Recognizing the hardships many had endured, he pledged that these individuals would be prioritised for employment opportunities in the event of an NPP comeback to power.
“I know how it feels to lose your job, your daily bread,” Bawumia said empathetically, drawing enthusiastic applause from a largely supportive crowd.
He assured that a future NPP administration would place job creation at the center of its agenda, particularly targeting those most affected by the country’s economic crisis.
The Thank You Tour, which Bawumia delayed to allow for the completion of the party’s internal Oquaye Report, serves as part of a broader strategy to re-energize the NPP’s grassroots and reconnect with disillusioned supporters.
During the tour, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of the party’s polling station executives and grassroots members, describing them as the “greatest assets” of the NPP.
Despite the crushing defeat, Dr. Bawumia’s messaging during the tour has centered around gratitude, resilience, and rebuilding.
He stressed the need for unity within the party and called on supporters to give thanks to God for all circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Backing the Thank You Tour with personal commitment, Dr. Bawumia reportedly funded a significant portion of the initiative’s cost and donated GH¢3 million towards the welfare of party members.
His financial and emotional investment underscores his determination to reposition the NPP as a formidable political force ahead of future contests.
