Kufuor should step back from partisan politics – Jonathan Okyere

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s involvement in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 election campaign has come under scrutiny following the party’s loss.

Criticisms have emerged over his endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and active participation in partisan politics, which some analysts believe strained the party’s relationship with its core support base.

“I think President Kufuor has run his race; he’s tired,” remarked political analyst Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere during an interview on Starr FM.

“It surprised me that every now and then, they hauled him to take part in partisan activities. His statement endorsing Dr. Bawumia was clearly partisan and not the kind of statesmanlike influence we expect from someone of his stature.”

Kufuor, a figure respected across Ghana’s political spectrum, has long been viewed as a unifying force beyond party lines. However, his recent involvement was reportedly part of efforts to rally support in the Ashanti Region, a traditional NPP stronghold that has shown signs of discontent in recent years.

Dr. Asante Okyere suggested this strategy backfired, alienating key segments of the party’s base. “I heard the journey was tough for Bawumia, and they needed to convince the Ashanti support base to come on board,” he revealed.

“But that’s exactly where the problem lies. The Ashanti base felt disgruntled—not with the party itself, but with its leadership.”

The NPP’s reliance on the Ashanti Region has been central to its electoral successes. However, internal dissatisfaction, perceived neglect, and leadership missteps have eroded the unwavering support the party once enjoyed in the area. Dr. Asante Okyere pointed to these fractures as a major factor in the party’s defeat.

Reflecting on the way forward, Dr. Asante Okyere urged the NPP to adopt a strategic approach similar to the one employed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following their 2016 loss.

The NDC’s comprehensive review, led by the Professor Kwesi Botchwey Committee, allowed the party to rebuild connections with its grassroots and identify the causes of its defeat.

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