Madam Linda Akupa, a former Women’s Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency, has blamed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s defeat in the 2024 general elections on what she calls the “sins” of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate and former Vice President, managed only 41% of the total votes, losing to the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s John Dramani Mahama, who secured 56%.
In an interview on Bolga FM’s Zina Yela program, Madam Akupa stated that while the NPP administration had notable achievements during its eight-year tenure, the leadership of Akufo-Addo and some of his appointees left Ghanaians disappointed, significantly damaging the party’s image and Bawumia’s chances.
She criticized the administration for ignoring public and internal party concerns, particularly regarding the economy.
She cited widespread calls, including from NPP Members of Parliament, for the removal of then-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta over alleged economic mismanagement, which were disregarded.
“Many people urged the President to take bold steps to ease the burden on Ghanaians, such as removing the Finance Minister, but those pleas were ignored. Rising costs of living and the administration’s refusal to act on these issues hurt the party,” she explained.
According to Madam Akupa, voter frustration with Akufo-Addo’s leadership overshadowed Dr. Bawumia’s strengths as a candidate. She revealed that during campaigns, some voters expressed their willingness to support NPP candidates but ultimately refrained due to dissatisfaction with the President’s performance.
“In some areas, people told us they liked our candidates but couldn’t vote for them because of the President. This shows that their grievances were directed at Akufo-Addo, not Dr. Bawumia or the parliamentary candidates. Sadly, this even discouraged some party members from voting,” she noted.
Madam Akupa acknowledged the NPP government’s accomplishments but said they were overshadowed by unresolved issues and public dissatisfaction during Akufo-Addo’s tenure, which ultimately cost Dr. Bawumia the presidency.