Defeat in Wiawso
The 2024 election was an unusual one, and I must admit that our own actions played a part in our defeat. One major factor was the pain and disappointment that lingered in the hearts of many of our supporters. Another issue was what I call “adidigya” — the feeling among long-serving NPP members who have supported the party since 1992 but have yet to receive any recognition or benefit.
Some individuals who were given appointments completely sidelined the grassroots. For example, a polling station chairman at Kojina was jailed simply for cutting a small tree to carve a pestle for fufu. He later returned home blind. These unfortunate incidents contributed significantly to our loss.
One major strategy the NDC used against me during the campaign was to play the chieftaincy card. The NPP government created the Western North Region, and the government needed land to establish institutional offices.
The Traditional Council, led by my father, took certain decisions in the interest of regional development. Sadly, these decisions were politicized and turned against me, causing some people to vote against the NPP.
In all, some of our members, including polling station executives, refused to vote. I consider all these challenges as occupational hazards. Currently, I have observed that the NDC is using partisan methods in distributing fertilizers — giving them only to their members — which has left many of our supporters frustrated.
Politics of Insults
One worrying trend in our politics today is the growing culture of insults within our own party. The latest example truly shocked me.
If even Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, after serving diligently as Vice President, can be described as a “stranger”, then what about me — a proud Sefwi man working hard for the party? Personally, it is disheartening.
This tribal politics must stop. We should focus on delivering a polished and unifying message.
As we look ahead to the 2028 elections, we must recognize that the NDC enjoys the advantage of being in government with access to national resources. Our only advantage lies in our candidate — a man who has been marketed across Ghana, whose policies have touched every home — Dr. Bawumia.
Let’s embrace unity, set aside division, and work together to secure victory for the NPP in 2028.
On Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
What has happened in our party is not new. I have listened to all the aspirants, but I strongly believe that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia truly deserves to lead the NPP.
I have held several meetings with delegates in Sefwi Wiawso and made my stance clear — Dr. Bawumia commands great respect here, and I can confidently say we will give him about 80 percent of the votes.
No one can boldly say Dr. Bawumia lacks the ability to govern. Since 1992, the NPP’s history has followed a consistent pattern, and I see no reason to change it now. We must avoid the dangerous trap of tribal politics.
Let’s remember former President John Agyekum Kufuor lost the 1996 elections but was retained by the party to lead again in 2000, where he eventually won. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also lost in 2008 and 2012 before finally winning in 2016. These examples prove that perseverance breeds political success.
Dr. Bawumia is not the reason the NPP lost the 2024 elections. The defeat was a collective issue that involves every member of our party.
It is laughable for anyone to claim that the Western North Region is a “no-go area” for Dr. Bawumia — that is simply untrue. Those spreading that message are the same individuals who benefited from appointments during Nana Addo’s administration but are now leading the so-called “adidigya” campaign.
Those of us standing with Dr. Bawumia today are mostly the ones who did not enjoy any appointments. I will be surprised if Dr. Bawumia does not win massively in the Western North Region because his message is strong and relatable. His plans for delegate welfare and fair appointments will greatly shape the future of our party.
One issue affecting the NPP is the tendency of some aspirants to withdraw from active campaigning after losing internal elections. This attitude is damaging our progress.
When Nana Addo lost to President Kufuor, he openly declared his support and campaigned tirelessly for the party to win the 2000 elections. Unfortunately, things have changed — today, our national executives have to plead with losing aspirants to join the main campaign.
We are aware of what happened when Dr. Bawumia won the party’s presidential ticket. So, if Dr. Bawumia happens to lose the upcoming presidential race, will they still expect him to campaign on their behalf? When we lose a general election, it affects everyone — not just the leader.
