NAPO Expresses Disappointment in First Public Remarks Following Election Results
In his first public statement following the announcement of the 2024 election results, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, reflected on the outcome of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. He acknowledged the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and expressed his acceptance of the results, despite the fact that it was not the outcome the NPP had anticipated.
Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, began by acknowledging the NDC’s success, stating, “The 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections resulted in a victory for the NDC. This was not the outcome we, in the NPP, envisaged; but we respect the decision of the Ghanaian people.” He emphasized the NPP’s commitment to moving forward with humility, adding, “To Ghanaians, we have heard you clearly and with humility we accept. We will work with you to get it right.”
In his remarks, Dr. Prempeh also reflected on his political journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his party and the country. “I am grateful to the Lord Almighty, the giver of life, for bringing me this far and for the honor of this opportunity to serve my party and Ghana,” he said. He recognized the support he received from his family, friends, and the NPP faithful, thanking them for the confidence they placed in him and the ticket. “I thank the Party faithfuls, my team, family, friends, and countless others for their confidence in us and for their support during this campaign,” Dr. Prempeh added.
Looking ahead, Dr. Prempeh spoke of the need for introspection and reflection within the NPP following their defeat. He revealed that he had already engaged in extensive discussions with Dr. Bawumia to reflect on the results and to determine the next steps for the party. “I have had extensive discussions with our flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to reflect on the outcome of the elections and, in good time, we shall reflect further as a political party on the causes of our 2024 election loss,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Dr. Prempeh remained hopeful for the NPP’s future. He expressed confidence that the party would regroup and emerge stronger. “I believe in the NPP’s values, ideals, and traditions,” he stated. “As we go into a period of honest introspection and reflection on this electoral verdict, I am confident that we will emerge stronger and bounce back to win the trust, confidence, support, and affection of Ghanaians.”
Dr. Prempeh also highlighted the importance of unity and resilience within the NPP. “We must not be disheartened by this outcome,” he urged. “It is an opportunity for the NPP to reassess, reflect, and grow as a political force. We will learn from this experience and come back with renewed strength and determination.”
The Vice Presidential candidate’s remarks signal the beginning of a period of reflection for the NPP, a time to regroup, analyze the reasons behind their loss, and plan for the future. Dr. Prempeh’s comments also demonstrated the party’s commitment to respecting the democratic process and working with Ghanaians to improve the country.
The NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections has left many party supporters disappointed, but Dr. Prempeh’s leadership and his call for reflection and unity offer hope for the future. His remarks also suggest that the NPP is ready to embrace constructive criticism, take accountability for their shortcomings, and refocus on the issues that matter most to Ghanaians, such as economic growth, infrastructure, and social development.
Dr. Prempeh concluded his statement by expressing his belief in the resilience of the NPP and the nation as a whole. “May God bless Ghana and the NPP, and make us all resilient and strong,” he said. His words provide a message of hope and determination as the NPP begins to navigate this challenging chapter in its political journey.