Young Elephants probe NPP’s 2024 defeat

The Young Elephants Study Group, a youth-centered wing within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has begun an independent investigation into the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections. This effort, according to the group, seeks to complement the ongoing review by the party’s official committee, aiming to uncover critical factors behind the defeat and propose solutions for a stronger comeback.

A sharp decline in votes
The 2024 general elections delivered a decisive victory to John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who secured 6.5 million (6,591,790) votes, representing 56.42%. NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, garnered 4.8 million (4,877,611) votes, equivalent to 41.75%.

NPP loses 1.8m votes
This marks a loss of over 1.8 million (1,899,714) votes compared to the 6.7 million (6,777,325) votes the party secured in 2020.
The parliamentary results were equally sobering for the NPP.

88 Parliamentary seats
The party’s seats dropped from 136 in 2020 to 88, with the NDC securing 183 seats and four independent candidates declaring support for the NDC, granting them a two-thirds majority.
The Ablekuma North constituency remains the only pending result.

Key areas of focus for the investigation
In a statement dated January 11, 2025, and signed by Ababio Kumi, the Young Elephants Study Group outlined its commitment to exploring several areas of concern, including:

Voter apathy among generation Z
The study aims to understand why younger voters, particularly those born after 1997, rejected the NPP at the polls.

Disengagement of polling station executives
The group seeks to uncover why grassroots executives, historically crucial to the party’s success, were less active in the 2024 elections.

Government policies and voter behaviour
The group will examine how policy decisions influenced voter sentiment and contributed to the party’s decline in support.

Low voter turnout
Young Elephants are also investigating the underlying factors behind reduced participation and their impact on the election outcome.

Party-government disconnect
The investigations would also assess potential rifts between the party’s leadership and government, which may have alienated supporters.
“We believe it is critical to have varying perspectives for the greater good of the NPP,” the group stated. “Our findings aim to complement the party’s efforts and provide broader insights to help rebuild the NPP stronger and more united,” the group stressed.

Internal challenges highlighted
The Young Elephants’ initiative comes at a time of growing introspection within the NPP.
The 2024 elections were historic, featuring both leading presidential candidates—Dr. Bawumia of the NPP and John Mahama of the NDC—from Ghana’s northern regions.
Despite this, the NPP struggled to leverage the regional dynamic to secure a decisive victory.
Critics have pointed to a lack of effective communication regarding the government’s policy successes, which some argue alienated key segments of the electorate.
Economic challenges, including high cost of living, inflation and unemployment, are believed to have further eroded voter confidence.

A complementary effort
While the NPP’s official committee focuses on overarching strategies, campaign messaging, and economic challenges, the Young Elephants’ investigation promises a grassroots perspective. By engaging younger voters and addressing internal weaknesses, the group hopes to provide actionable insights that will shape the party’s future strategies.

Rebuilding the NPP for future success
The Young Elephants’ commitment to analyzing the party’s performance reflects a broader desire within the NPP to rebuild and adapt to changing political dynamics.
As Ghana’s electorate evolves, particularly with the rising influence of younger voters, the party’s ability to address these issues will be critical to its future success.
By incorporating diverse perspectives, including those from youth-led initiatives, the NPP can position itself for a stronger showing in future elections.
The Young Elephants’ study is a step in this direction, signaling the party’s willingness to learn from its losses and chart a path toward renewed strength and unity.
The 2024 elections have served as a wake-up call for the NPP. With internal investigations underway and youth-driven initiatives like the Young Elephants’ study, the party has an opportunity to address its shortcomings and re-engage with the electorate.
The insights gained from these efforts will be pivotal in shaping the NPP’s strategies for future electoral success.