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In a recent political discourse, Minister Bryan Acheampong made claims about Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s electoral performance as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer in Ghana’s 2024 elections, suggesting his candidacy should be reconsidered due to his purportedly poor regional performance.
According to Acheampong, Bawumia was the first NPP candidate since 1996 who failed to win any constituency in more than five regions as the party’s flagbearer. This claim, however, has been met with strong pushback from political analysts familiar with Ghana’s electoral history.
Critics of Acheampong’s assertion point to historical evidence that contradicts his narrative. When examining the electoral performance of previous NPP candidates against Ghana’s current 16-region structure, a different picture emerges. Former President John Kufuor, for instance, couldn’t secure victories in eight regions when he contested as the NPP candidate in 1996. Despite this initial setback, the party maintained confidence in his candidacy, leading to his eventual victory in the 2000 presidential elections.
Similarly, Nana Akufo-Addo, now serving his second term as president, failed to win any constituency in six regions during the 2012 elections. Nevertheless, the NPP renominated him as their flagbearer, and he successfully led the party to victory in the 2016 elections.
These historical precedents suggest that regional performance alone has not traditionally been the determining factor in the NPP’s selection of presidential candidates, contrary to what Acheampong’s comments seem to imply.
Further challenging Acheampong’s argument is the comparison between presidential and parliamentary performances across multiple election cycles. Historical data shows that presidential candidates often perform differently than their parliamentary counterparts, a common occurrence in Ghana’s political landscape.
In 2004, President Kufuor won 127 constituencies out of 230, while the NPP secured 128 seats in Parliament out of 227 contested. During the 2008 elections, then-candidate Akufo-Addo won 97 constituencies, while the party claimed 107 parliamentary seats. The pattern continued in 2012, with Akufo-Addo winning 116 constituencies compared to the party’s 123 parliamentary seats, and again in 2016, when he won 152 constituencies while the NPP secured 169 seats.
Political analysts suggest this disparity between presidential and parliamentary performance reflects the complex nature of Ghana’s electoral politics, where local factors and candidate personalities can significantly influence voting patterns at different levels. Voters often make distinctions between their choice for national leadership and their preference for local representation, leading to these observed differences.
The ongoing debate within the NPP regarding Bawumia’s candidacy highlights tensions within the party following their performance in the recent elections. As Ghana’s political landscape continues to evolve, the NPP faces critical decisions about its leadership and strategic direction moving forward.
The controversy also underscores the importance of accurate historical context in political discourse. Electoral patterns and performance metrics require careful analysis beyond simplistic comparisons, particularly in a diverse political environment like Ghana’s multi-regional democracy.
As the NPP reflects on its recent electoral performance and contemplates its future, these discussions about leadership and electoral strategy will likely continue to shape the party’s approach to upcoming political challenges in Ghana’s competitive democratic system.
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11 Comments
The claim about Bawumia’s regional performance seems questionable. I’d like to see a more detailed breakdown of the data and how it’s being interpreted. Contradictory evidence from past NPP candidates raises some red flags.
Absolutely, the historical context is key. Fact-checking these types of political claims is vital to ensure an accurate understanding of the situation.
This article highlights the importance of political transparency and accountability. While I appreciate the attempt to scrutinize the allegations, I’d like to see a more objective and data-driven analysis from both sides.
This is a complex political issue with a lot of moving parts. I appreciate the attempt to scrutinize the claims, but I’d like to see a more comprehensive analysis that looks at the full scope of the data and the historical precedents.
This is a politically charged issue, and it’s important to approach it with a critical eye. I’d encourage a closer look at the data and historical context to better understand the nuances of Bawumia’s electoral performance and how it compares to past NPP candidates.
Interesting to see the push back against Acheampong’s claims. I’m curious to learn more about the electoral history and how it compares to the current situation. A balanced examination of the facts is crucial in these types of political disputes.
Agreed, a nuanced understanding of the historical context is essential for evaluating these types of allegations. It’s important to avoid knee-jerk reactions and instead focus on a thorough, data-driven analysis.
While the allegations against Bawumia are intriguing, I’m hesitant to draw any firm conclusions without a more rigorous, fact-based examination of the evidence. Careful analysis of the data and historical context is crucial in these types of political disputes.
Absolutely, a balanced and objective evaluation of the claims is essential. Relying on historical precedents and data-driven analysis is the best way to arrive at a well-informed understanding of the situation.
This is an intriguing political story. It’s important to scrutinize claims and examine the historical context before drawing conclusions. I’m curious to see how the analysis of Bawumia’s electoral performance compares to past NPP candidates.
Agreed, a nuanced look at the data is crucial here. Allegations should be carefully evaluated against the facts.