The Alliance for Footsoldiers Advocacy (AFFA) has expressed deep disappointment over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) crushing defeat in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
In a strongly worded press statement, the group attributed the loss to what they described as the poor leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to AFFA, the party’s abysmal performance, securing only 41% of the presidential votes and fewer than 100 parliamentary seats stemmed from public frustration directed at President Akufo-Addo rather than the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“The verdict of December 7 was not a rejection of the NPP, but rather a revolt against President Akufo-Addo’s intransigence,” the statement read.
“Dr. Bawumia became an unintended casualty of the masses’ bottled anger.”
AFFA highlighted several factors behind the NPP’s defeat, including President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to remove Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during the economic downturn of 2022, despite widespread calls from MPs and the public.
The President’s decision to retain many of his appointees in their roles for the entirety of his administration was also cited as evidence of poor judgment.
The group further criticized unpopular policies such as the National Cathedral project, the Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), the E-Levy, and the Betting Tax. Coupled with what AFFA described as arrogance and impunity on the part of certain government appointees, these issues alienated the party’s grassroots supporters and the general populace.
The Alliance also took aim at the perceived disconnect between the NPP leadership at Jubilee House and the party headquarters, stating that the lack of mutual respect undermined the party’s cohesion.
“This defeat is a wake-up call for the NPP. It’s time to restructure from polling stations to national leadership, regroup, and come back stronger in 2028. We cannot fail the masses,” AFFA urged.
The group concluded its statement by calling on party members to learn from this setback and rebuild the NPP to restore its standing as a formidable political force in Ghana.
