General News of Saturday, 18 January 2025

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Dr. Ayew Afriye outlines things Akufo-Addo did that cost Bawumia 2024 elections

Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, MP for Effiduase-Asokore constituency Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, MP for Effiduase-Asokore constituency

The Member of Parliament for the Effiduase-Asokore constituency, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has highlighted key actions by former President Nana Akufo-Addo that, in his view, contributed to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the December 7, 2024 general elections.

As the party reflects on its loss, Dr. Afriye believes it is crucial to analyze these decisions and their impact on the election outcome.

Speaking during an interview on Oyerepa TV’s Breakfast Time show, Dr. Afriye cited several missteps that, according to him, alienated voters.

Among them was Akufo-Addo’s controversial response to threats from residents of Afigya Kwabre East, who had expressed their intention to vote against the NPP.

“The president said he was not scared when residents of Kwabre East said they wouldn’t vote for the NPP. If you, the leader or the president, say this, how do you expect the people to feel?” he questioned. “At the end of the day, what the president did was unacceptable.”

Dr. Afriye also pointed to the introduction of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) as a significant factor in the NPP’s defeat. He explained that many Ghanaians opposed the levy, and the government’s insistence on implementing it despite public outcry only worsened matters.

“Citizens complained about the E-Levy, but the government kept insisting. Even in Parliament, they wanted it reduced so people could see its benefits. But many Ghanaians believed the taxes didn’t translate into tangible improvements for them,” he added.

Another issue, according to Dr. Afriye, was Akufo-Addo’s conduct during visits to traditional durbars, where he often gave directives to chiefs. This behavior, he said, sparked public disapproval.

“If you look at the election year, the Ghanaian people don’t appreciate leaders going around ordering chiefs. It didn’t sit well with them,” he remarked.

Dr. Afriye revealed that he confronted the former president about these concerns during a national council meeting.

“The president is aware of at least some of my thoughts. During the national council meeting, I expressed my views on certain issues,” he stated.

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