'New aspirants signal anger, pain within NPP after Bawumia’s loss', says Dr Theo Acheampong

Political risk analyst Dr. Theo Acheampong believes new contenders for leadership show cracks in the NPP. This follows their defeat in the 2024 elections.

On Newsfile Express, he discussed growing frustration within the party. He noted that figures like former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum are exploring their options due to unresolved issues.

Dr. Acheampong mentioned a deleted post from Dr. Adutwum hinting at a potential candidacy. “That tells you something,” he said, adding there are others considering a run as well.

When asked about Dr. Adutwum's credibility as a challenger, he responded positively. He believes many have what it takes to lead, including Dr. Bawumia.

However, he emphasized that these emerging voices reflect deeper discontent within the party.

“Their bids for leadership show lingering anger and pain,” he stated. He stressed that change should not be driven by religion but by addressing core issues.

Dr. Acheampong was clear about why the NPP lost the election: “It was not because of religion, but because of the economy.”

He dismissed claims linking the Vice President’s Muslim identity to their defeat as unfounded.

“When people face high inflation and cost of living pressures, religion doesn’t matter,” he explained.

He pointed out failures in economic policies like the domestic debt exchange and E-Levy as key factors in public dissatisfaction.

“I called for Ken Ofori-Atta’s sacking because his position was untenable,” he said, noting these issues contributed to their electoral loss.

Dr. Acheampong referenced Bawumia’s own comments on the cost of living crisis and arrogance contributing to their downfall.

He urged examining electoral data closely to challenge religious narratives about voting patterns across regions.

“Even among Christians in the NDC, many lost seats,” he noted, indicating religion wasn’t decisive in those outcomes either.

The internal struggles of the NPP extend beyond statistics, according to him.

He observed that Bawumia’s thank-you tour highlights ongoing divisions within the party.

“The candidate did not include others on this tour,” he remarked, indicating attempts at unity may be superficial given existing tensions among members.

Dr. Acheampong concluded with advice for the NPP: “They need to own up and apologize to Ghanaians.” He believes they have ignored warning signs throughout this process.