Arrogance of NPP Appointees Contributed to 2024 Election Defeat — Chairman Butey

The Acting National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Danquah Smith Butey, has attributed the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections to what he describes as arrogance and disrespect displayed by some government appointees.

According to Mr. Butey, the conduct of certain ministers, chief executive officers (CEOs), and other political appointees created a widening gap between the party’s leadership and its grassroots supporters, who played a critical role in bringing the NPP to power.

Speaking in an interview with Akua-Piesie Asare Bediako on Bethel TV/Radio in the United Kingdom, Mr. Butey stressed that the party’s electoral loss was not primarily due to poor governance performance.

“Our defeat in the 2024 elections was not necessarily because we did not perform in government. A major factor was the arrogance and disrespect shown by some of our appointees towards party supporters and ordinary Ghanaians,” he stated.

Mr. Butey noted that many grassroots members who worked tirelessly to secure victory for the party were often sidelined once the party assumed office.

“These were people who sacrificed their time and resources to help the party win power, yet many of them were ignored and denied access to government officials after appointments were made,” he said.

He further lamented that several party loyalists who visited government offices with concerns, proposals, or programmes were frequently denied the opportunity to engage with appointees.

“Supporters who came to see some ministers and CEOs with genuine concerns were often turned away. That created disappointment and resentment among our base,” Mr. Butey explained.

Despite acknowledging that the NPP implemented various development initiatives while in government, Mr. Butey emphasized that public perception played a significant role in shaping voter decisions.

“Even though the government undertook many development projects, the perception that some officials were arrogant and disconnected from the people affected how voters responded during the elections,” he added.

Mr. Butey said the combination of these factors ultimately contributed to the party’s transition into opposition. He therefore urged future party leaders and government appointees to remain humble and maintain strong relationships with grassroots supporters.

“Going forward, party leaders and appointees must stay connected to the grassroots and treat supporters with respect. That is key to sustaining political success,” he advised.