Deputy Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu Bempah, has sparked major conversation within political circles after claiming that over two million NPP supporters refused to vote in the 2024 general elections, blaming the party’s poor performance on what he calls the selection of the wrong presidential candidate.
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| Owusu Bempah claims over 2 million NPP members boycotted 2024 polls due to Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy. |
Speaking in a recent interview on Oyerepa TV, Owusu Bempah, who previously served as Communications Director for Ghana Gas under the Akufo-Addo administration, argued that the decision to present Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia — then Vice President — as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 election significantly contributed to the voter apathy witnessed within the party's base.
According to Owusu Bempah, a substantial number of NPP faithful were disillusioned by the leadership’s choice of Bawumia and, as a result, either stayed away from the polls or in some cases, voted for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“For the first time, I met a taxi driver who showed me his NPP party card and admitted to voting for the NDC. Why? Because he believed we didn’t present the right candidate,” he claimed.
Without citing empirical data, Bempah boldly declared that 2.1 million NPP members opted not to vote — a figure he believes should be taken seriously by the party’s leadership.
“Go to the grassroots and ask with hidden cameras why people didn't vote. They will tell you. This isn’t a joke — 2.1 million people, NPP supporters, refused to vote. Do you know what that means?” he emphasized during the interview.
Owusu Bempah’s remarks come in the wake of the NPP’s disappointing showing in the 2024 elections, where the party saw a sharp decline in both parliamentary seats and presidential votes. His comments underscore growing internal dissent and frustration over how the party handled its flagbearer selection process.
He criticized the top hierarchy of the party for allegedly ignoring the sentiments of grassroots members and urged the party to reevaluate its internal democratic processes.
“The leadership failed to listen. We did not consult our base. And now, we are paying the price,” he said.
Owusu Bempah also referenced the Prof. Mike Oquaye-led committee, which has been tasked with investigating the party's performance and internal decisions leading up to the 2024 polls.
“Let Prof. Mike Oquaye's Committee bring out their report — that’s where the real issues will come out,” he hinted, suggesting that the committee’s findings could validate his claims and expose more internal grievances.
Owusu Bempah’s revelations have stirred reactions from political analysts, party loyalists, and the general public. While some NPP supporters agree that the party leadership misjudged the popularity of their 2024 flagbearer, others argue that his claims are exaggerated and lack credible evidence.
However, with the party still reeling from a poor election showing, such comments reflect growing calls for internal reforms, more inclusive candidate selection, and grassroots engagement.
As the New Patriotic Party turns its focus toward rebuilding ahead of the 2028 general elections, the comments from insiders like Ernest Owusu Bempah could signal deeper divisions within the party. The upcoming report from Prof. Oquaye’s committee is expected to offer a roadmap for revitalization, but only time will tell if the party can reconcile internal factions and regain public trust.
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