The NPP’s loss in the December 2024 polls was a profound disappointment. As a party in government we had faced some difficult challenges, yet, we made very worthy and significant contributions to push the country’s development agenda forward. Thus, my expectation was not this disappointing loss. Definitely, sentiments were not very good, but nobody can deny that amid all the challenges there were some bright spots worthy of commendation.

However, we cannot afford to linger in the shadow of our electoral loss. It is inspiring to note that our MPs are already up and running and showing promising signs that they will keep the NDC government on it toes. We may be down but our spirit is unbroken.

Post-election analysis

The party has already formed a committee to examine the factors that led to such a disappointing result in the elections. Various perspectives have been shared, and there appears to be a suggestion that many of our party supporters failed to turn up to vote for our candidates. But that may be a very premature assessment, and we should thread cautiously with such as assessment otherwise we may miss the real issues and plunge our dear party into more electoral difficulties in future.

At this juncture it is prudent to implore the Committee tasked to examine the factors that led to the loss to be very meticulous, objective and selfless in their assessments. There may be the temptation to conduct this process for personal and selfish gains, but such a path will jeopardize our party’s future. We cannot afford to continue on the path of sweeping critical issues under the carpet trusting that we can always talk our way out of crisis or dissent. Ghanaians have become more enlightened and discerning; they expect transparency and accountability. The lessons from the 2016 and 2024 elections are invaluable, and we must heed them.

Resilience and unity

For the NPP, we have to rise above this defeat and show our resilience. We have to prove to those who don’t share in our political ideology that we still have much to offer to the development of our country, despite the challenges we faced as a government and the mistakes we might have made. To be able to project such an image, actions must speak louder than words.

We have to demonstrate a true sense of unity. As a party of dynamic personalities who are inspired by our motto, ‘Development in Freedom’, we are bound to express our views in the most passionate manner. Yet, no matter how assertive we may want to be, we should be wary infighting, especially, now that we are in Opposition and face a period of readjustment.

As a party, we have been vulnerable to our adversaries because we have been unable to unite. There are some who may feel they are more important than others and tend to look down on their peers. That is not healthy for our party. We must remain vigilant against the allure of sycophants who lead us into complacency. If we cannot unite and respect each other, we cannot build a strong party that can demonstrate the resilience we need in these trying moments.

Loyalty to party

It is heartwarming to note that the National Executives of the party have managed to keep their composure so far. They must be prepared for rising criticism from those who less than a month ago were their strongest supporters. They may face the harsh realities of political treachery. But they should be able to demonstrate calmness and tact required to guide the party in this difficult moment.  More importantly, they should be selfless, strong and independent. Their actions should be guided by loyalty to the party’s principles and constitution, and not loyalty to any individual.

To the teeming supporters of the party who may be downcast, it is time to shake off the disappointment of the 2024 elections, and rally together to re-energise our great party for the future, mindful, that our loyalty should be to the party, and not to any individual or groups of individuals.

Congratulations to John Mahama and the NDC

As I conclude, let me extend heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Mahama and the NDC. Certainly, although we stand on different political grounds, we all share in the vision of building a developed and prosperous Ghana. I, therefore, call on the President to act decisively to stop the thugs who are invading homes and offices.

I wish the NDC government well, and pray that the almighty God will grant them wisdom to lead this country until the NPP emerges, God willing, in 2028 to lead our great nation again.

God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong.

By Ing. Francis Addai-Nimoh, former MP for Asante Mampong and Presidential Aspirant, NPP