In a bold and controversial statement, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, has predicted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will lose all seven parliamentary seats recently declared in their favor following the re-collation exercise by the Electoral Commission (EC). According to Rev. Owusu-Bempah, this loss will occur after President-elect John Dramani Mahama assumes office on January 7, 2024.
The Re-Collation Controversy
The re-collation exercise conducted by the EC has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. The exercise resulted in the NPP gaining seven parliamentary seats that were initially declared for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). These seats include Obuasi East, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, and Techiman South, among others.
Rev. Owusu-Bempah criticized the EC’s actions, questioning the legitimacy of the re-collation process. “I have heard that they have given the NPP some seats back. Didn’t they tell the public about those that won the seats, and they are now doing the re-collation? All the seven seats which have been given to the NPP, they will lose the seats again after January 7, when Mahama is sworn in,” he stated during a sermon to his congregation.
Implications for the NPP
If Rev. Owusu-Bempah’s prediction comes true, it would significantly impact the NPP’s representation in the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. Currently, the NPP is set to have at least 89 seats, but losing the re-collated seats would reduce their numbers and strengthen the NDC’s majority.
The NPP’s Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, had previously announced that the party secured 82 seats before the re-collation exercise. The additional seven seats brought their total to 89, but this number could change if the seats are lost as predicted.
Public and Political Reactions
Rev. Owusu-Bempah’s statement has sparked a wave of reactions from both the public and political circles. Supporters of the NDC have welcomed the prediction, viewing it as a validation of their concerns about the re-collation process. On the other hand, NPP supporters have expressed skepticism and criticized the reverend for making such a bold claim without providing concrete evidence.
The EC’s decision to re-collate the results has also faced criticism from various quarters, with some calling for a thorough investigation into the process. Legal experts and political analysts have weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the re-collation exercise could be challenged in court.
Challenges Ahead
The NPP faces several challenges in the wake of this prediction. The party will need to navigate internal divisions, rebuild trust among its members, and develop a clear and compelling vision for the future. Additionally, the findings of any investigation into the re-collation process will need to be transparently communicated to the party’s supporters and the general public to restore confidence in the party’s leadership.
Learning from Past Mistakes
One of the key aspects of the NPP’s strategy moving forward will be to learn from past mistakes and implement changes that can prevent a repeat of the 2024 defeat. This includes revisiting the party’s policies, campaign strategies, and voter outreach programs. By addressing these issues head-on, the NPP can position itself as a stronger and more united force in future elections.
Rev. Owusu-Bempah’s prediction that the NPP will lose all seven re-collated seats after Mahama’s swearing-in adds another layer of complexity to Ghana’s political landscape. As the nation prepares for the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, the future of these contested seats remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Rev. Owusu-Bempah’s prophecy will come to pass and what it means for the NPP and the overall political dynamics in Ghana.
What are your thoughts on Rev. Owusu-Bempah’s prediction and the re-collation controversy?