National Cathedral Spending Blamed for Electoral Defeat
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, has publicly addressed the reasons behind the party’s defeat in the 2024 general election. He attributes the loss, in part, to the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral project and a last-minute increase in fuel prices.
Speaking in Takoradi during the commencement of a nationwide Thank You Tour, Dr. Bawumia responded to reports that suggested his perceived religious “flirting” contributed to the party’s electoral defeat. These reports allegedly leaked from the Mike Oquaye Committee findings. However, Dr. Bawumia dismissed these claims, instead focusing on tangible economic and governance issues that he believes were more significant factors.
He emphasized that the uncompleted National Cathedral project, which had already consumed $58 million in public funds, led to a significant erosion of public trust and fueled voter dissatisfaction. He also pointed to the rise in fuel prices just three days before the election as another major factor that turned voters against the NPP, insisting that religion or tribal affiliations were not to blame for the loss. According to Dr. Bawumia, this sudden fuel price increase angered drivers and commuters, leading to many voters expressing their frustration at the ballot box.
Dr. Bawumia stated, "The National Cathedral we were not able to complete after $58 million was sunk into it, caused a lot of rage in the public. 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. So, people went to vote against us with anger. That is why we put together the Mike Oquaye Committee to produce a report on why we lost. I am happy that there is no religious factor, and tribal factor that caused our defeat."
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks come at a time when internal party discussions are intensifying around the causes of the 2024 electoral outcome, with many stakeholders pushing for a candid review to reposition the NPP for the future.
