Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communications Director of Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters to demand accountability from their leaders following the party’s defeat in the Ablekuma North by-election rerun.
In a July 13 social media statement, Basintale characterized NPP leadership as “lazy” and lacking strategic direction during the July 11 contest.
“Ask your leaders questions. Ask them again and again till they provide answers,” Basintale urged NPP youth. “Don’t let them swerve their negligence.”
The NDC official specifically questioned the absence of senior NPP figures including National Chairman Stephen Ayesu Ntim, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, and Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during polling day operations.
Basintale contrasted the NPP’s approach with the NDC’s response to its 2016 electoral defeat, noting: “When the NDC lost in 2016, we focused on unity walks, studying reports and re-uniting our base.”
He dismissed recent NPP organizational efforts like specialized “army” groups as ineffective given the opposition party’s “weak” grassroots cohesion.
The criticism follows the NDC’s victory in Ablekuma North, where candidate Ewurabena Aubynn secured the parliamentary seat.
Basintale credited the win to coordinated campaigning and vigilance, including deployment of body cameras by NDC agents a reference to election monitoring tactics.
NPP leadership has not publicly responded to the allegations. The exchange occurs amid heightened political tensions following electoral violence during the rerun, with both parties exchanging accusations about historical and recent incidents.
The NDC administration continues implementing its legislative agenda while the NPP undergoes reorganization ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
