Ibrahim Adjei, a former Assistant Secretary at the Office of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has cited leadership shortcomings as a major reason for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, April 28, Adjei highlighted President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to reshuffle his ministers—despite persistent internal demands—as a significant factor that contributed to the party’s defeat.
Defending former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent remarks on the party’s performance, Adjei stressed that Bawumia’s public explanation should be viewed as an act of accountability and honesty toward Ghanaians, especially the party’s loyal supporters.
Dr. Bawumia, during his “Thank You” tour in Takoradi on April 26, identified several reasons for the NPP’s electoral loss.
He pointed to the arrogance of power, the rising cost of living, the failure to reorganize government leadership, the unpopular E-Levy, and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme introduced during the economic crisis.
He further noted that these challenges, combined with the pressures of the IMF debt restructuring programme, left many Ghanaians disillusioned and struggling.
Expanding on these issues, Adjei insisted that former President Akufo-Addo must be held principally responsible for the party’s poor showing, arguing that his reluctance to implement a ministerial reshuffle stemmed from personal loyalty to certain individuals rather than the broader interests of the party.
“I think Bawumia is speaking to a document, and I think that what Ghanaians value across all political parties is honesty. There is something about integrity that resonates very well with Ghanaians. Honesty and integrity are high currencies,” Adjei said.
“Where others say the former vice president is being duplicitous and is somehow extricating himself, I say he is doing what is needed. The arrogance of power is where former president Akufo-Addo should take the large share of the blame. Why could you not reshuffle during these 8 years? You say we have the men and the women, but you kept the same people.
“You had 120 MPs saying that change Ofori-Atta, but you didn’t because of your loyalty to Ken. We understand he banked your campaign, and we thank him for that, but when things are not going on well, you change, and that is the failure of Akufo-Addo,” he added.
