Tamale, Ghana – February 20, 2025 – The conduct of individuals surrounding Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has become a major talking point within political circles.

Concerns have been raised about the perceived arrogance and superiority of his close associates, which some believe contributed to the party’s internal divisions and voter apathy in the 2024 general elections.

According to political analyst and member of the NPP, Nabila A. Basiru, the behavior of Dr. Bawumia’s inner circle alienated grassroots members and discouraged active participation from key party factions. Five major issues were identified as contributing to this disenchantment:

Condescending and Overbearing Behavior
Many party supporters have accused those close to Dr. Bawumia of displaying an air of superiority. This perceived elitism created a divide between the leadership and the grassroots, leaving loyalists feeling disrespected and undervalued.

Failure to Engage with Grassroots
A lack of direct engagement with grassroots members reportedly exacerbated tensions within the party. The failure to listen to and address concerns at the local level was seen as a betrayal of the party’s foundational values, further distancing the leadership from its support base.

Neglect of Communication Channels
Party members have lamented the tendency of Dr. Bawumia’s team to ignore calls, messages, and pleas for attention. This disregard for communication left many feeling abandoned and frustrated, leading to growing resentment among loyal supporters.

Alienation of the Youth and Opinion Groups
The NPP’s youth and influential opinion groups, crucial to the party’s success, reportedly felt sidelined by the leadership.

The lack of meaningful engagement with these groups resulted in widespread dissatisfaction and a decline in active political involvement.

Arrogance and Lack of Accountability
Critics argue that the overconfidence of Dr. Bawumia’s inner circle led to a culture of dismissing concerns and avoiding accountability.

Mistakes were left unaddressed, and party members who voiced their grievances were often ignored, further deepening the divide within the party.

These issues are believed to have contributed significantly to the party’s struggles in the 2024 elections. Many disillusioned supporters chose to abstain from voting, a move that potentially affected the NPP’s overall performance at the polls.

Political analysts and party members alike have called for urgent reforms to restore trust within the NPP. Many believe that for the party to move forward, the leadership must rebuild its relationship with the grassroots, prioritize effective communication, and foster a more inclusive approach to decision-making.

As the NPP reflects on the lessons from the 2024 elections, the need for a shift in leadership style remains a crucial factor in determining the party’s future trajectory.