The New Patriotic Party (NPP) suffered a resounding defeat in the recently concluded general elections, a loss that former Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Musah Superior, has described as a 'referendum' on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's leadership.

In a letter sighted by GhanaWeb on Monday, December 9, 2024, Musah Superior cited a number of governance and party management failures under President Akufo-Addo, which he claims contributed significantly to the party's electoral woes.

He described the President's tenure as marked by nepotism and a lack of responsiveness to calls for reform, ultimately alienating the party’s base.

"This awfully catastrophic defeat is a REFERENDUM on President Akufo-Addo, his leadership style and the performance of his government. NADAA is unapologetically nepotic to the detriment to our Party and his government. NADAA must take full responsibility for our defeat" he noted.

Musah Superior pointed to several contentious decisions and policy missteps under the Akufo-Addo government that he believes undermined the NPP’s chances:

"How come E-levy got implemented when DMB publicly denounced it? Why did KOA keep his job as Finance Minister when it was clear to everyone that he was an absolute liability to the government? Why didn't NADAA listen to the over 90 MPs when they had concerns about KOA's diminished capacity to continue in the job and asked for his removal?

"Wasn't it reprehensively ironic that Mr. President refused to reshuffle his fatigued cabinet when the majority of Ghanaians, including many members of the NPP, demanded it? And then only did a limited reshuffle when it didn't matter anymore? What was this nonsense about the cathedral?" he quizzed.

Musah also criticised the party's internal structure, citing its weakened state and inability to mobilize grassroots support.

He described the commissioning of projects in the final days of the administration as a sign of desperation, which he believes hurt the party’s credibility.

He urged the NPP to undertake a thorough introspection and begin the process of rebuilding the party.

"Going forward, we must be courageous enough to begin an honest conversation to repair the party. We will come back strongly if we sincerely reflect upon this humiliation and set a recovery plan," he stated.

Musah also commended Dr. Bawumia for his leadership during the campaign, highlighting his intellectual acumen and commitment to the party.

"DMB remains an important stakeholder in our party and country," he added, expressing hope for a future resurgence of the NPP.

According to Musah, the NPP's presidential candidate, Dr. Bawumia worked tirelessly and displayed exceptional resilience throughout the campaign but was unfairly penalised by voters for the missteps of the Akufo-Addo administration.

"DMB is a great man. He worked so hard and put in his utmost best in the campaign but got punished for the 'sins' of NADAA," Musah stated.

JKB/EK

Watch NDC's Press Conference on the elections below: