Former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections to deep-rooted systemic challenges within the party.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, February 26, Mr Appiah-Kubi stressed that the problem was not solely about the candidates but was a widespread concern, even among delegates who were expected to be loyal to certain aspirants.

He explained that while money influenced the selection of candidates, it did not necessarily translate into actual support and voter mobilisation for the party.

"It was the systematic failure, systematic problem that inflicted the NPP. Not only the candidates that complained about the issue but delegates who were even tipped by candidates surprisingly complained too,” he stated

• Read also; NPP fact-finding report blames Akufo-Addo’s leadership, party structure and others for 2024 defeat

His remarks come in the wake of a fact-finding report led by former Majority Leader Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, which outlined the key factors behind the NPP’s electoral loss, particularly in its stronghold, the Ashanti Region.

The report identified multiple factors that contributed to the party’s poor performance, notably the leadership style of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, which was widely perceived as rigid, overly centralised, and dominated by close family members.

Concerns were also raised about the mode of selecting the party’s presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives.

The research, which surveyed respondents across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region—including traders, taxi and ‘trotro’ drivers, artisans, teachers, and professionals—revealed that 87% of respondents believed Akufo-Addo was unresponsive to public concerns.

Many noted that while his first term was seen as progressive and inclusive, his second term was marked by resistance to feedback, vindictiveness, and a refusal to reshuffle key ministers—particularly his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was largely seen as an extension of Akufo-Addo, making it difficult for him to assert his own vision and leadership.

To restore the party’s credibility and electoral strength, the report proposed key reforms, including internal structural adjustments to eliminate apathy and monetisation of delegate voting, merit-based appointments to reassure the party grassroots, swift conflict resolution to foster unity, and reconnecting with the party’s traditional support base.