Opinions of Monday, 9 December 2024

Columnist: Prince Siita Sofo Hissan

A message to the NPP after losing power

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the NPP in the 2024 elections Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the NPP in the 2024 elections

Before the NPP primaries, I had a dream where I was with Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. When I woke up, I relayed the dream to him and advised that if he wanted the NPP to succeed, he should take up the mantle of leadership and, more importantly, listen to my counsel.

However, instead of heeding the advice, he ignored it and went on to report me to H.E. the Vice President, who was also the NPP’s Flagbearer in this election—the election that ultimately chased the elephant into the bush.

When I had the honor of meeting Hon. Kwame Pianim, the renowned economist and outspoken member of the NPP, he reminded me of a profound truth: “My son, there is nothing new under the sun.” The loss the NPP suffered is not unprecedented—it mirrors what happened to the NDC in 2016 when Ghanaians rejected a government they felt was no longer serving them.

As someone who works closely with youth in Ghana and across Africa, I’ve had the unique opportunity to interact with leaders and members from both NDC and NPP. My work in media has also allowed me to groom and work with many journalists across Ghana, giving me a perspective that combines grassroots realities with high-level political insights.

There’s a saying: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This has been evident in the posture of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his inner circle (particularly the Akyem faction), and other key NPP figures. Their inability to address the concerns of the people and stand firmly for truth has contributed significantly to the party's downfall.

A former staff member of mine, an active NPP member, expressed her frustration openly on Facebook, stating, “They collapsed our party.” This sentiment resonates with many. When in opposition, the NPP was vocal and proactive. However, once in power, a sense of complacency and arrogance took over, with some leaders behaving like “tin gods,” forgetting their mandate to serve the people.

I recall my last conversation with Finance Minister Hon. Amin Anta when he was appointed. I advised him to stop talking and focus on delivering results because Ghanaians were growing increasingly discontent. Unfortunately, since that day, he ignored me. Even with all the resources at his disposal, his own parliamentary seat was nearly lost—a clear indication that money and power alone cannot secure public trust. Relationships, humility, and accountability matter just as much.

As the NPP begins its journey of reorganization, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerges as a potential leader for the party. However, there are valuable lessons he—and the party—must learn. Dr. Bawumia has served diligently, but it is now time for him to assert himself, break free from being perceived as a puppet, and become a decisive and independent leader.

Humility is an essential trait in leadership, but as with everything, excess can become a weakness. A leader must balance humility with firmness, independence, and the courage to make tough decisions.

Above all, this loss is a reminder that Ghana must always have a viable alternative—an opposition capable of holding the ruling party accountable. If any party or government disrespects the people, we, as citizens, must have the power to change them. This is not just a warning to the NPP but to all of us. Ghana is a nation after God’s own heart, and its people deserve leadership that reflects integrity, humility, and service.

This defeat is not the end; it is an opportunity for introspection and growth. The NPP—and all political actors—must remember that the ultimate authority lies with the people, and their trust must be earned every single day.