Ex-MP Edward Ennin criticizes leadership and calls for an upgrade of NPP leadership
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi East, Edward Ennin, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) historic electoral defeat to what he describes as poor leadership under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking on the party’s challenges, Mr. Ennin pointed to the President’s refusal to heed advice from party executives and contentious policies as major contributors to the NPP’s loss. He expressed frustration with what he perceives as arrogance within the party’s leadership and criticized Akufo-Addo’s disregard for concerns raised by senior officials.
“I have come to realize that some, in fact, most of Akufo-Addo’s actions did not help the party at all. He is somebody we should blame for this defeat. The taxes, flagbearer also campaigning against your own policies, people were confused about what was going on. Even me I was confused,” he remarked.
Mr. Ennin further criticized Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership as the party’s flagbearer, claiming his approach created confusion among supporters. He questioned Dr. Bawumia’s credentials, arguing that his rise within the party led to tribal divisions.
“NPP took a wrong decision making Bawumia flagbearer. He just joined the party in 2018 without a party card,” he said.
The former MP also expressed disappointment in other party executives, accusing them of failing to challenge the President on controversial decisions. He singled out the Chairman of the Council of Elders and the National Chairman, alleging that they abandoned their neutrality and blindly followed orders instead of defending the party’s interests.
However, Mr. Ennin commended the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, as the only leader who had proven effective in recent years.
Looking to the future, Mr. Ennin called for a complete overhaul of the party’s leadership and advocated for the return of estranged members such as Alan Kyerematen, Kwabena Agyapong, and Hopeson Adorye to help rebuild the party. He urged the NPP to sanction misbehaving executives and focus on reconnecting with grassroots supporters.
He also proposed a rule barring parliamentary candidates who lost in this year’s elections from contesting in future internal elections. According to him, this would ensure fresh leadership and help strengthen the party’s position ahead of future contests.
