What do you believe contributed to the NPP’s catastrophic defeat? Here are seven scandals and issues that may have come into play on December 7.
In the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) was decisively defeated by the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC’s John Mahama received 6,328,397 votes (56.55%), followed by the NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with 4,657,304 votes (41.61%). This defeat was largely due to a succession of high-profile incidents and scandals that eroded popular trust in the government.
Here’s an overview of some of these concerns that contributed to their defeat.
PDS Scandal
The Power Distribution Services (PDS) scandal broke in March 2019, involving a contentious concession agreement that gave PDS a 25-year mandate to administer the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) withheld a critical $190 million financing tranche, claiming contract issues.
This scandal lost Ghana much-needed energy sector investments while also exposing governance problems in the NPP administration.
National Cathedral Controversy
President Akufo-Addo launched the National Cathedral project in 2018 with the goal of creating a Christian monument as well as a venue for official religious ceremonies.
However, the project became extremely contentious due to charges of financial mismanagement. Over GH₵225 million was spent on the unfinished structure, prompting calls for investigation and prosecution of individuals implicated.
CHRAJ recently advised the termination of contracts and legal action against board members. Many saw the initiative as an unnecessary priority in light of the deteriorating economic situation.
Presidential Jet Scandal
In July 2021, President Nana Akufo-Addo attracted widespread criticism for renting an Airbus ACJ320neo for overseas flights at £15,000 per hour.
North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that a trip to Europe and Africa cost taxpayers £345,000 (GH₵2,828,432.80).
Dominic Nitiwul, the Defence Minister, defended the decision, arguing that the Falcon presidential plane was inadequate because it lacked shower facilities.
This answer fueled public discontent, with many questioning the NPP’s administration concern for Ghana’s financial woes.
Covid-19 Expenditure Scandal
The Auditor-General’s report on Ghana’s COVID-19 expenditure found severe financial mismanagement in the processing of monies from March 2020 to June 2022.
Key breaches included payments of $607,419.02 for 26 ambulances that were never delivered, an unapproved GH₵151,500 disbursed by the Information Ministry as COVID-19 insurance for its workforce, and $80 million spent on unsupplied vaccines.
These discoveries infuriated the public, who saw the mishandling as a betrayal during one of the country’s most trying moments.
E-Levy and Betting Tax Controversies
E-Levy
The controversial Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) was established in March 2022, putting a 1.5% tax on any electronic transactions over GH₵100 per day. The measure sparked considerable outrage and protests, with critics labeling it retrograde and burdensome for Ghanaians.
Betting Tax
In August 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority implemented a 10% withholding tax on lottery and sports betting winnings.
This strategy was received with strong opposition from young Ghanaians, who accused the government of putting undue financial burden. Both initiatives alienated a substantial number of voters, particularly young people, who felt their economic dreams were jeopardized.
Cecilia Abena Dapaah Scandal.
Former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah resigned in July 2023 following a controversy in which domestic staff stole substantial sums of cash from her residence.
The stolen assets included $1 million, €300,000, and GH₵350,000, along with luxury purses and jewelry worth thousands of dollars.
The people was outraged by the source of such wealth, questioning the ethics of public authorities. The Office of the Special Prosecutor initiated an investigation, but the incident harmed the government’s confidence even more.
Galamsey Report by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng
Illegal mining, sometimes known as galamsey, became a serious worry in the run-up to the 2024 election. The administration came under fire for failing to address the environmental damage caused by unlawful mining activity.
In April 2023, a leaked report from former Environment Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng accused high-ranking NPP officials of complicity in galamsey.
The investigation implicated individuals at Jubilee House and highlighted government inactivity, escalating public outrage.
These scandals, which affected numerous sectors, led heavily to the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
