Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has publicly apologised to party members for the NPP’s disappointing performance in the last general elections.
Addressing party supporters in London, United Kingdom, Dr Bawumia admitted that the party made several mistakes that contributed to significant losses in key constituencies.
“The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong,” he confessed. “And I think that, on my behalf and behalf of the party, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the figures right.”
Despite the setback, Dr Bawumia struck an optimistic tone, expressing hope for the party’s future. He said the loss provided valuable lessons that could help the NPP stage a strong comeback.
“I believe that, by the grace of God, if we are given another opportunity, we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons that will guide us forward,” he said.
Dr Bawumia also pointed to a broader historical trend in Ghanaian politics, noting that it is often difficult for political parties to win national elections with a fresh candidate after a sitting president has served two terms. He said this was a major challenge for the NPP in 2024, but could work in their favour in 2028.
“Our political history suggests that it is very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana,” he said. “So, there is a sense that in 2028, the NDC is going to bring in a new candidate for the first time, and I believe we will have an advantage, all things being equal.”
He also criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as unfulfilled campaign promises, particularly regarding the cost of living.
“In opposition, they made so many promises and told a lot of stories about what they were going to do,” he stated. “Now that they are in government, they said they would reduce the cost of living, but prices are rather going up.”
Dr Bawumia’s comments suggest that, despite the NPP’s 2024 defeat, the party is already laying the groundwork for a potential comeback in the next election cycle.