NPP’s 2024 defeat proves NDC’s founding ideals still matter to Ghanaians — Tsatsu Tsikata

Renowned Ghanaian lawyer and academic, Tsatsu Tsikata, has argued that the decisive defeat suffered by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections demonstrates that the founding principles of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continue to resonate strongly with the Ghanaian electorate.

Speaking at a lecture held in honour of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, Mr Tsikata said the outcome of the elections reflected public confidence in the values and ideals that have guided the NDC since its establishment.

The lecture, themed “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,” formed part of activities commemorating the life and political contributions of the former Ghanaian leader, whose influence remains central to the NDC’s identity and philosophy.

According to Mr Tsikata, the results of the December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections were a clear indication that Ghanaians continue to embrace the principles upon which the NDC was founded.

“The decisive rejection of the NPP in the December 2024 elections, both in the presidential and the parliamentary elections, is decisive proof that the ideals for which the NDC was founded, and which we still hold dear, these ideals matter to the people of Ghana,” he stated.

He argued that the electoral outcome should not be viewed merely as a political victory for the NDC but as an endorsement of the party’s longstanding commitment to social justice, accountability, and national development.

Despite celebrating the party’s electoral success, Mr Tsikata cautioned NDC members and government officials against becoming complacent.

He stressed that winning power brings greater responsibility and that the party must use the occasion of Rawlings’ commemoration to undertake serious reflection on its future direction and its relevance in a changing political landscape.

“I want to insist from the onset that the NDC must use this commemoration to reflect on its future, its message, and its value proposition. What does the NDC have to offer to the nation, to the world at large, now and into the distant future?” he asked.

According to him, the party must continuously redefine its vision and remain focused on delivering meaningful governance rather than relying solely on past achievements or electoral victories.

Mr Tsikata warned that there is a temptation for governments that succeed unpopular administrations to measure their performance against the shortcomings of their predecessors rather than striving to meet the highest expectations of citizens.

He described the period between 2017 and 2024 under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as a difficult era that generated widespread public dissatisfaction.

“There is a danger that we lower the bar of what the nation expects of us in the NDC, and that we aim to be just a little better than the previous government,” he cautioned.

He noted that such an approach would undermine the aspirations of Ghanaians and weaken the transformative agenda that the NDC has historically championed.

Mr Tsikata also directed his remarks at political appointees serving under the current administration, urging them not to judge their performance solely by comparing themselves to officials who held office before them.

According to him, incremental improvements alone should not be considered sufficient if they fail to address the broader expectations of the Ghanaian people.

“Appointees would only seek to compare themselves to their predecessors, and by that measure, be content with some improvement in performance, and therefore become complacent,” he said.

He argued that public office holders should instead focus on excellence, innovation, and measurable impact in improving the lives of citizens.

The veteran lawyer further emphasized that accountability and the fight against corruption must remain core pillars of the NDC’s governance philosophy.

He warned that abandoning these principles would amount to a betrayal of both the party’s legacy and the trust placed in it by voters.

“May I say without hesitation that this would be both an affront to the people of Ghana, as well as an affront to the illustrious traditions of the NDC,” he said.

“Accountability matters. Standing resolutely against corruption matters.”

Mr Tsikata stressed that the NDC’s future success would depend not only on electoral victories but also on its ability to uphold transparency, integrity, and responsible governance.

The lecture also served as a reflection on the enduring influence of Jerry John Rawlings on Ghana’s democratic development and the evolution of the NDC from its revolutionary roots to its role within the Fourth Republic.

Participants at the event highlighted the importance of preserving the values associated with the late president while adapting them to meet contemporary governance challenges.

As the NDC settles into government following its 2024 electoral victory, Mr Tsikata’s remarks are expected to spark further debate about accountability, leadership standards, and the direction of the party in the years ahead.