The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has cast doubt on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ability to regain public support, arguing that Ghanaians are likely to vote based on lived economic realities rather than campaign personalities.
Speaking on JoyNews on Monday, January 26, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said voters tend to make rational choices shaped by their experiences under previous administrations, a reality he believes places the NPP at a disadvantage.
“The average voter is a rational decision-maker. It does not really matter who they put up,” he said.
He explained that the economic conditions experienced by many Ghanaians during the NPP’s time in office continue to shape public sentiment, making it difficult for the party to persuade voters to give them another mandate.
“Given what they put the people of Ghana through, and given the dramatic transformation in the economy, it will be difficult for them to convince voters to choose them over the NDC,” he stated.
Asked about whether the NPP’s upcoming presidential primaries could reset public perception, the minister dismissed the idea, insisting that responsibility for governance failures was collective and could not be isolated to internal party processes.
According to him, senior figures within the NPP jointly presided over what he described as poor governance, with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s leading presidential hopeful, playing a central role in economic management.
“They were all together in the governance we witnessed. And for the front-runner, Dr Bawumia, he was front and centre when it came to managing the economy,” he said.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies within the NPP’s own messaging about Dr Bawumia’s role, saying the contradictions undermine the party’s credibility.
“In one breath, they say he was responsible for every economic policy. In another, they say he was not in charge of the economy. Then they say his policies underpin the economy, yet they also say the economy is in shambles,” he noted.
He argued that this lack of a clear and consistent position weakens the party’s appeal to voters.
“That confusion does not inspire confidence that they are ready to govern this country properly,” he said.
Despite his criticisms, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the governing NDC remains focused on delivering on its mandate rather than dwelling on opposition politics.
“We wish them well, but our focus is on delivery. When we fulfil our mandate properly, the people will make their choice based on performance when the time comes,” he added.
