In the wake of the 2024 elections, it is critical to reflect on the journey that led to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing political power. While the official declaration was made a few days after the election day, the seeds of defeat were sown long before that moment. The NPP's loss was not about campaign promises, party manifestos, or last-minute debates; it was about years of overlooked grievances and avoidable missteps that alienated the very electorate that had once placed its trust in the party.

The Erosion of Goodwill

When the NPP assumed power under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the party enjoyed immense goodwill. The public had high hopes for the promises of economic transformation, job creation, and social equity. However, this goodwill began to erode almost immediately as party foot soldiers, emboldened by victory, engaged in acts of hooliganism that tarnished the party’s image.

From the seizure of vehicles belonging to individuals perceived to be linked to the opposition, to the chaotic and violent demonstrations against appointments, the party grassroots acted in ways that betrayed the values of democracy and governance. Offices were locked up, protests disrupted governance, and the spectacle of foot soldiers freeing suspects standing trial undermined the rule of law. These actions not only painted the party in a negative light but also signaled a lack of internal discipline and control.

A Quiet Electorate Watching Closely

The electorate may not have responded in the heat of these events, but they were certainly watching. Every act of lawlessness, every instance of impunity, and every display of entitlement was silently noted. Ghanaians have a history of punishing such behavior, not with riots or protests, but with the quiet and decisive act of voting out governments that betray their trust. The NPP became a textbook case of how to squander political capital through indiscipline and arrogance.

Lessons for the NDC

As the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now assumes the reins of power, there is an urgent need to avoid the mistakes of their predecessors. Political power should not be viewed as an opportunity to reward party foot soldiers with carte blanche to act above the law. The NDC must remember that the same electorate that voted them in will be watching their conduct with equal scrutiny.

To preserve their goodwill, the NDC leadership must take proactive steps to:

1. Discourage Hooliganism: Party grassroots must understand that power comes with responsibility. The leadership must set a firm tone that indiscipline will not be tolerated.
2. Respect Institutions: The practice of freeing suspects standing trial or undermining state institutions must be curbed. The rule of law is non-negotiable.
3. Promote Order in Appointments: While grassroots activists are vital to a party’s success, appointments should be based on competence and merit, not as rewards for loyalty or pressure from foot soldiers.  The grassroots should trust the leadership of doing the right things and leave it at that or express their displeasure in chambers.
4. Engage the Electorate: Maintain an open line of communication with the public. Listen to grievances and act on them promptly to avoid creating a silent opposition that expresses its dissatisfaction at the polls.

A Call for Discipline

The NPP's story should serve as a cautionary tale for all political parties in Ghana. Political power is not an endless resource—it is a loan from the people, repayable through good governance, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

The electorate is Ghana’s ultimate judge, and they have shown time and again that they will not hesitate to repossess power when their expectations are not met. Both the NDC and any future governing party must learn that winning an election is not the end goal; maintaining the trust and goodwill of the people is.

In conclusion, the NPP’s defeat in 2024 was partially a result of years of neglecting the basics of governance and party discipline. For the NDC, the path to sustaining power lies in avoiding these pitfalls. History has shown that Ghanaians will not tolerate a repeat of these mistakes, and political parties must act accordingly.