With Ghana’s 2024 elections on the horizon, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) landscape is shifting as 18 prominent MPs have announced their retirement from parliamentary contests. This exodus raises questions about their decisions and the potential impact on the NPP’s fortunes in the upcoming polls.
18 NPP MPs Step Down And Will Not Contest in 2024 Elections
NPP MPs bowing out voluntarily
1. Kyei Mensah Bonsu (Suame)
2. Joe Osei Owusu (Bekwai)
3. Atta Akyea (Abuakwa South)
4. Joe Ghartey (Essikado Ketan)
5. Ken Agyapong (Assin Central)
6. Dan Botwe (Okere)
7. Kwasi Amoako-Atta (Atiwa West)
8. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (Sefwi Wiaso)
9. Emmanuel Marfo (Oforikrom)
10. Benito Owusu-Bio (Atwima Nwabiagya)
11. Carlos Ahenkora (Tema West)
12. Nana Kwasi Adjei Boateng (New Juabeng North)
13. William Owuraku Aidoo (Afigya Kwabre South)
14. Johnson Adu (Ahafo Ano South West)
15. Francis Manu-Adabor (Ahafo Ano South-East)
16. Suleman Sanid (Ahafo Ano North)
17. Kojo Kum (Ahanta West)
18. Francisca Oteng (Kwabre East).
Implications for the NPP:
Loss of Experience and Expertise: Departing MPs like the veteran Kyei Mensah Bonsu or the economic expert Kwasi Amoako-Atta represent a significant loss of experience and expertise for the party. Filling their shoes with equally capable candidates will be a crucial challenge.
Shifting Dynamics and Power Struggles: This exodus opens up space for new contenders, potentially leading to internal power struggles within the NPP. Managing these transitions smoothly will be key to maintaining party unity and cohesion.
Potential Impact on Voters: The reasons for retirement, ranging from health to seeking alternatives, could be interpreted differently by voters. Age might raise concerns about the NPP’s youthful appeal, while independent bids like those been called for Agyapong by his followers could fracture the party’s support base.
Opportunity for Renewal and Fresh Strategies: The influx of new candidates brings the potential for fresh ideas and strategies. With the incumbent government facing economic challenges, the NPP needs to craft a compelling narrative for re-election, and new voices might contribute to that process.
The departure of 18 NPP MPs marks a significant turning point for the party. While it signifies the passing of the torch to a new generation, it also presents challenges in terms of experience, party unity, and voter perception. Ultimately, the NPP’s ability to navigate this transition and present a cohesive, forward-looking vision will determine its success in the 2024 elections.