The Member of Parliament for Tema Central, Yves Hanson-Nortey, has stated that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections validates the earlier calls by a group of Majority caucus members for the removal of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Hanson-Nortey argued that the party’s poor electoral performance, including a significant loss of parliamentary seats, highlights the consequences of failing to address the economic concerns raised by both citizens and lawmakers.
Background on the Calls for Removal
In 2022, a group of 94 NPP Majority MPs—later expanding to over 135 members—demanded the dismissal of Ken Ofori-Atta, citing economic mismanagement under his tenure. They argued that his policies had exacerbated Ghana’s economic hardships, leading to inflation, currency depreciation, and public discontent.
Despite these protests, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo retained Ofori-Atta, insisting on his continued leadership during crucial negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision, Hanson-Nortey noted, alienated both party members and voters.
Election Results as a Consequence
The NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections included a dramatic reduction in parliamentary seats, leaving the party with 88 seats compared to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) commanding 183-seat majority.
“This outcome reflects the consequences of ignoring the concerns raised by us and many Ghanaians about the direction of the economy under Ofori-Atta’s leadership,” Hanson-Nortey remarked.
Vindication for the ‘Ken Must Go’ Campaign
Hanson-Nortey cited his participation in the “Ken Must Go” campaign as a reflection of his belief that the government was failing to address Ghana’s economic challenges.
“I participated in the Ken Must Go [protest] because I believed that at that time, we were not governing well. And I wasn’t alone. We became a caucus. We were about 94. Later, it became a caucus decision,” he said.
He added that the election results have vindicated their stance:
“To tell you that at least 135 to 137 Members of Parliament at that time had similar views or one way or the other sided with the idea that we were not governing well. And I think we have been vindicated by the results that have come out.”
Implications for the NPP
The Tema Central MP’s comments suggest a reckoning within the NPP as it reflects on the factors contributing to its electoral defeat. The failure to heed internal dissent on critical issues like economic management may become a focal point in the party’s efforts to rebuild ahead of future elections.
Hanson-Nortey emphasized the need for the NPP to prioritize internal reforms and accountability to regain the trust of Ghanaians.
