February 11, 2025

M.anifest explains why the NPP lost, saying ‘the country was being run down

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m.anifest

Ghanaian rapper Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, widely known as M.anifest, has shared his thoughts on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the December 7, 2024, elections. In a candid interview with James Copnall on BBC’s Newsday on December 9, M.anifest attributed the defeat of the NPP to widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s governance, particularly under the leadership of the incumbent president.

“I think what happened in this election was that people were unhappy that the country was being run down,” M.anifest stated, reflecting the frustration and discontentment that many Ghanaians felt as they headed to the polls. According to him, the loss of the NPP was largely due to the electorate’s concerns over how the country was being managed, which led to a shift in support towards the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

M.anifest’s comments highlight a deepening sense of disappointment within Ghanaian society, especially regarding the state of the economy, governance, and social issues like unemployment and illegal mining. This frustration manifested itself in the election results, as voters seemed to voice their disapproval of the ruling party’s handling of these critical matters.

When asked about the potential of the incoming government under John Mahama to address these challenges, M.anifest was cautious but hopeful. “It’s difficult to be confident in any leadership here until you see how they operate,” he said. “In our local parlance, we say ‘show working’,” he added, emphasizing the need for tangible results from the new administration. He pointed out that Ghana’s citizens, especially the youth, have become more politically conscious and engaged, and they will hold the next government accountable for its actions. M.anifest made it clear that there is now an expectation for leadership to deliver on promises made during the campaign and to demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing the country’s pressing issues.

Speaking further on the increasing role of activism in Ghana, M.anifest pointed out that the youth have played a central role in voicing their concerns over issues such as illegal mining and unemployment. He noted that young Ghanaians were particularly vocal during the previous administration, taking to the streets to protest against illegal mining practices and other economic challenges. “If you saw in the last administration, the youth especially took to the streets. There were protests about illegal mining and so many other things,” he said.

According to M.anifest, the youth, who are disproportionately affected by issues like high unemployment rates, are becoming more active in their demands for change. “Unemployment is high, twice as much in the youth in Ghana,” he noted, underscoring the urgency for the next government to address these concerns. He also emphasized that the youth are no longer waiting for every four years to express their dissatisfaction through voting. Instead, they are increasingly engaging in continuous activism, holding leaders accountable in real-time. “I think there is a sense of everyday accountability that we are moving towards,” he explained. “That there is a sense of urgency that people feel.”

M.anifest also highlighted that the dissatisfaction with governance is not limited to the youth. He pointed out that other sectors of society, such as pensioners, have also expressed their frustrations through protests in recent years. This broader discontent serves as a testament to the widespread desire for change, not just among young people but across the population.

Despite the NPP’s defeat, the electoral process remains ongoing. Although the Electoral Commission of Ghana has not officially announced the final results, NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat to John Mahama. Bawumia acknowledged the provisional results from the NPP’s internal tally, which indicated a victory for Mahama, and he expressed his gratitude to the Ghanaian people for the opportunity to serve.

The Electoral Commission has urged citizens to remain patient as they await the official announcement of the election results. Bawumia’s concession speech marked a significant moment in Ghana’s democracy, as it demonstrated his respect for the democratic process and commitment to a peaceful transfer of power. His acknowledgment of Mahama’s provisional victory is seen as an important step in upholding the integrity of Ghana’s political system.

M.anifest’s comments, along with the peaceful concession from Bawumia, underscore the evolving nature of political engagement in Ghana. With the youth becoming more politically active and demanding accountability from their leaders, there is a growing expectation for the next administration to address the issues that matter most to the people. As the country looks ahead to the leadership of John Mahama, Ghanaians will be watching closely, hoping for a government that can meet the challenges of the times and fulfill the promises made to the people.

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