Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Lower West Akim, Gifty Klenam, has announced her decision to join the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing a shift in ideological alignment and disappointment with the NPP’s governance.
Klenam, who served as an MP from 2009 to 2017 and later as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Centre (GEPC) under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, made her move public on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
She officially registered as an NDC member in the Anlo Constituency of the Volta Region, where she received her party membership card.
Her defection comes after the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, which saw former President John Dramani Mahama reclaim the presidency from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
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The election outcome, coupled with what she described as the NPP’s failure to address critical national challenges, influenced her decision.
Reasons for Defection
Speaking to journalists, Klenam expressed deep dissatisfaction with the NPP’s economic policies, which she believes contributed to Ghana’s financial struggles, high unemployment rates, and rising cost of living.
“I dedicated years of my life to the NPP, believing in its vision for economic transformation. However, the reality has been disappointing. After assessing the country’s direction under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia leadership, I realized that Ghana needs a different path—one that prioritizes ordinary citizens over political elites,” she stated.
Klenam further noted that the NDC’s governance approach and policy focus under Mahama align better with her values, particularly in areas such as job creation, economic recovery, and social interventions.
“The 2024 NDC manifesto was not just a political document; it presented real solutions to Ghana’s challenges. Having seen how the NPP handled critical sectors such as trade, industry, and youth empowerment, I believe the NDC offers a more sustainable way forward,” she added.
Focus on Grassroots Engagement
As she begins her journey with the NDC, Klenam has pledged to work closely with the party’s grassroots structures to strengthen support in key regions.
She emphasized the importance of empowering local communities and ensuring that young Ghanaians have access to opportunities within the country, rather than seeking livelihoods abroad.
“Our youth are struggling, and many are forced to leave Ghana in search of better opportunities. That is not the future we want. My focus will be on policies and initiatives that create jobs and improve the livelihoods of our people,” she said.
Her defection signals a significant political shift and could influence former NPP supporters disillusioned with the party’s governance to reconsider their political stance.
With Ghana’s political landscape evolving post-election, Klenam’s move is expected to generate discussions on internal tensions within the NPP and how the party intends to rebuild after its defeat.
