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0 Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia blames the $58M National Cathedral controversy and sudden fuel price hikes for the NPP’s 2024 election defeat, dismissing religious and tribal factors.
Takoradi, Ghana — Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has directly linked the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election to key economic and governance issues, notably the controversial $58 million National Cathedral project and sudden fuel price hikes.
Speaking during the NPP’s nationwide Thank You Tour in Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia vehemently dismissed claims that religious or tribal factors contributed to the party’s downfall — assertions that had surfaced following the Mike Oquaye Committee’s internal review.
Instead, he cited voter anger over the mismanagement of public funds and last-minute economic shocks as the real reasons behind the electorate’s rejection of the NPP.
“The National Cathedral, which we were unable to complete after $58 million was sunk into it, caused a lot of rage in the public,” Dr. Bawumia emphasized. “Also, three days before election day, the price of fuel went up. When I heard it, I thought it was a joke. The drivers were angry at us.”
Dr. Bawumia further explained that these grievances fueled a wave of protest votes, severely impacting the party’s chances.
He expressed relief that the committee’s findings ruled out religion and ethnicity as major factors in the electoral loss, a crucial point considering earlier speculations about his religious background influencing voter behavior.
Background
The National Cathedral project, initially launched with ambitious promises, became a source of national controversy as funding transparency and project execution came under intense scrutiny. The revelation that $58 million had been spent without delivering a completed structure outraged many Ghanaians, contributing to broader criticisms of government mismanagement.
Additionally, the unexpected spike in fuel prices just days before voting added to public frustration, especially among commercial drivers and commuters, further denting public goodwill toward the NPP.
What This Means for the NPP
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks signal a shift in the party’s internal discourse, pushing leaders to focus on tangible governance failures rather than attributing defeat to external biases. As the NPP plots a course for recovery ahead of the 2028 elections, restoring public trust and addressing economic concerns appear to be emerging priorities.
