The criticisms were sparked by comments from Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, who accused Bawumia of opportunistically absolving himself of responsibility for the NPP’s defeat.
Boakye-Danquah argued that Bawumia, as Vice President, had the opportunity to challenge government policies or voice dissent but chose to remain silent until it suited his political ambitions. He also criticized Bawumia for attempting to blame the economic difficulties, such as the cost-of-living crisis and soaring petrol prices, on former President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
In a statement widely shared online Nana Akomea expressed surprise at the accusations, insisting that Dr. Bawumia had never attempted to distance himself from the party’s mistakes.
He pointed out that during his ongoing “Thank You” tour, the former Vice President had openly acknowledged the factors behind the party’s electoral defeat, as identified in a report by the Professor Mike Ocquaye-led committee.
These factors included governance challenges, economic hardship, the unpopular Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), and high fuel prices ahead of the election. “Dr. Bawumia did not shift blame, as suggested by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah,” Akomea said.
“In fact, he publicly acknowledged these issues, apologized to party supporters, and expressed his commitment to addressing them. His words were met with resounding applause from the party’s grassroots, who appreciated his sincerity.”
The former STC Boss emphasized that the apology from Bawumia was not an attempt to deflect responsibility but a genuine effort to reconcile with NPP supporters and move the party forward.
He also noted that the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua, and party stalwart, Kennedy Agyepong, had echoed Bawumia’s message of accountability and apology. “The NPP must continue to rebuild trust with its grassroots by acknowledging past mistakes and working sincerely to restore confidence,” Akomea concluded adding: “Dr. Bawumia’s message of unity and accountability is exactly what the party needs.”