Criticism has come too early – Paul Adom Otchere advises NPP on opposition strategy

Journalist Paul Adom Otchere has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to withhold their criticism and allow the new Mahama-led administration time to settle into office.

Speaking on the debut episode of the Good Evening Ghana podcast on Metro TV, Adom Otchere cautioned against nitpicking every move of the government, including pointing out minor grammatical errors in official press releases. He suggested that substantial criticism should come after May, June, or July, rather than within the first month of governance when key appointments are still being made.

He noted that the NPP’s unexpected electoral defeat on December 7, 2024, has sparked internal discussions about the future of the party, with some questioning Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia‘s candidacy and attributing the loss to factors such as voter turnout and economic dissatisfaction.

Drawing on historical electoral trends, Adom Otchere highlighted how political fortunes can shift rapidly, pointing to the NDC‘s heavy loss in 2016 and its comeback in subsequent elections. He advised the NPP to take a strategic approach by observing and documenting government actions rather than engaging in premature and excessive criticism, which could weaken their position.

He also emphasized the party’s strong leadership in Parliament, citing figures like Patricia Appiah-Agyei, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Joe Ghartey, whose roles in the Appointments Committee and legislative activities continue to showcase the NPP’s influence.

Adom Otchere urged the party to focus on structured political engagement and internal unity, warning that premature leadership battles could create unnecessary distractions. By adopting a measured opposition strategy, he said, the NPP could be more effective in holding the government accountable when the time is right.