By Daniel Bampoe
In a rare and candid admission, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has laid bare the painful truth behind the party’s crushing defeat in the 2024 general elections, citing internal arrogance, divisive utterances, failed economic policies, and controversial projects.
Speaking at a post-election – “Thank You Tour” at Takoradi Technical University on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Dr. Bawumia, addressing party faithful, openly confessed: “After almost eight years in power, arrogance crept into our leadership. We ignored the voices of ordinary Ghanaians and even our own grassroots.”
The NPP, once a dominant force after back-to-back victories in 2016 and 2020, had sought an unprecedented third consecutive term under Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
However, the 2024 elections dealt the party a historic blow. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, secured a resounding victory, polling 56.42% of the valid votes cast, while Bawumia managed 41.75%, according to the certified results by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
Reflecting on the reasons behind the defeat, Dr. Bawumia quoting from the Mike Oquye committee report said, “The high cost of living, the skyrocketing prices of goods and services, and our failure to listen when people cried out against these policies contributed significantly to our loss.”
He particularly highlighted the impact of unpopular economic decisions, such as the introduction of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) in 2022 and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), which he admitted alienated even the NPP’s core support base.
Adding further to the NPP’s woes, he lamented the government’s inability to sustain flagship social programmes.
“Programmes like NABCo, Youth in Afforestation, and School Feeding, which once brought hope to the youth and the vulnerable, were crippled because the government could not pay beneficiaries. This worsened public discontent,” Dr. Bawumia noted.
National Cathedral
One of the more controversial acknowledgments he made was regarding the National Cathedral project. Dr. Bawumia stated candidly, “The national cathedral we were not able to complete after $58 million was sunk into it, caused a lot of rage in the public.”
He explained that the massive investment into an uncompleted religious monument became a symbol of waste and mismanagement, severely eroding public trust in the party’s stewardship.
Dr. Bawumia further revealed how, just days before the crucial election, an unexpected development added fuel to public anger.
“Three days before the election day, the price of fuel went up. When I heard it, I thought it was a joke. The drivers were angry at us. So, people went to vote against us with anger,” he said.
Internal Rifts
Internal conflicts and damaging utterances from within the party ranks also played a critical role. Bawumia emphasized, “In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, there was disunity amongst us. Our utterances against each other severely affected our fortunes.”
He explained that the opposition NDC capitalized on the NPP’s internal squabbles.
“The NDC didn’t have campaign messages but capitalized on some of these utterances. They advertised our utterances towards the elections in the media. They were playing our own language to us,” he added, noting that the NPP virtually handed campaign ammunition to their rivals.
Responding to speculations that religious bias against his Muslim background might have contributed to the electoral setback, Dr. Bawumia dismissed the notion.
“I am happy that there is no religious factor, and tribal factor that caused our defeat,” he asserted, citing findings from the Mike Oquaye Committee, which investigated the causes of the party’s loss.
Instead, he reiterated that internal arrogance, divisive statements, and policy failures were the major contributors.
“When you study all the reports we have so far, internal disunity was glaring. Even in regions traditionally friendly to us, like the Western Region, our campaign efforts were weak,” Dr Bawumia observed.
Reflecting on the initial defensive reactions of the NPP leadership after the election, who largely blamed global economic pressures from COVID-19, global inflation, and other external factors, Dr Bawumia’s latest confession marks a significant shift toward introspection and accountability within the party.
Foot-Soldiers
In a message of gratitude, he took time to salute the party’s foot soldiers. “Our polling station executives and grassroots are our greatest assets, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he said, acknowledging their efforts even in the face of electoral defeat.
“It is the grassroots that defend the party in every community, market, and household,” Bawumia added, emphasizing that the future rebuilding of the NPP would depend heavily on these loyal cadres.
Concluding his sobering address, Dr. Bawumia issued a clear warning to the NPP: “If we do not learn from our mistakes — especially the arrogance, the failure to listen, and the internal attacks — the NPP risks further decline. We must guard our utterances and rebuild unity if we are to stand a chance in the future.”
“We have learnt our lessons as a party, and we will correct ourselves,” he stated.
He emphasised that the NPP remains committed to its core values and would work tirelessly to address the concerns of the electorate.
According to him, acknowledging past shortcomings is the first step towards renewal and progress.
The Thank You Tour, which will take the NPP leadership across various regions of the country, is aimed at expressing gratitude to party members and supporters for their unwavering commitment during the 2024 general elections.
Dr Bawumia noted that despite the challenges faced, the party’s vision for national development remains intact, and lessons learnt would shape a more inclusive and effective governance approach.
Concluding his remarks, Dr Bawumia called for unity among members, urging them to rally behind the leadership as the party charts a new path forward.
“This is not a time for blame, but a time for reflection, correction, and renewed energy,” he said.
