Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr K.K. Sarpong, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) poor performance among young voters in the 2024 general elections to unemployment and widespread perception of corruption. 

He said these factors contributed significantly to the disengagement of many young members of the party during its eight years in government.

Dr Sarpong explained that the inability of the NPP administration to create sufficient jobs for young people proved costly. 

According to him, frustration over limited employment opportunities led many party faithful, particularly the youth, to withdraw their support at the polls.

“Many of the youth deserted us. Our own party youth deserted us. What was the reason? Because our 8-year rule didn’t give them jobs. And that was a critical thing,” he stated, underscoring the central role unemployment played in the party’s electoral setback.

Dr Sarpong further noted that perceptions of corruption within the party and dissatisfaction with the broader economic situation worsened the problem. 

“There was also the issue of corruption, being tagged on all of us. That was also another point. Many of our people were disgruntled with the economy. And many of the people who probably didn’t vote were members of Alan Kyerematen’s followers,” he added.

The NPP suffered notable losses in the 2024 general elections, with several high-profile Members of Parliament losing their seats to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). 

The outcome saw the NDC overturn results in constituencies long regarded as NPP strongholds, signalling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. 

The party is expected to begin rebuilding efforts when it holds its flagbearer primary on January 31.