The outgoing Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Zebilla, Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, has offered a candid reflection on the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
The outgoing Director, who spoke to the media, attributed the loss to governance lapses, including grassroots neglect and the controversial sale of government jobs.
“It was clear that the people of Ghana were against the E-levy, but we forced it through, and that angered some people. Additionally, our party got too busy and forgot about our grassroots.
There were also nonsensical things like job-for-sale allegations,” Dr. Krugu remarked.
He expressed frustration over reports that individuals had to pay large sums of money to secure government jobs, describing the practice as deeply troubling.
“I never understood why a young person who wants to be a teacher would have to pay for that job. People would come to me, frustrated, saying they were asked to pay GH¢15,000 for an appointment.
Some even sold family assets to meet these demands. While I was not involved in such activities, the ultimate responsibility for governance failures rests with us,” he said.
Dr. Krugu admitted that the failure to address grassroots concerns, compounded by governance shortcomings, alienated key party supporters.
He also acknowledged traditional tensions, such as those in Bawku, which contributed to dissatisfaction in some areas.
Reflecting on the lessons from the loss, Dr. Krugu called for better governance, emphasizing that any party in power must prioritize the needs of the people.
“Governance is a lesson. I hope the NDC learns from our mistakes. It’s not just about winning power; it’s about serving the nation properly,” he stated.
