On Monday, thousands of residents in the Eastern Region took to the streets to welcome the 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia when he began his first phase of campaign tour.
A massive crowd
Dr Bawumia started from Akuapem North Constituency where he had a breakfast meeting with the Clergy and the Muslim Community where he was already ambushed by the residents before he even arrived.
Thereafter he proceeded on the tour to Koforidua, where a large crowd of market women was already waiting for him at Nkurakan, one of the communities in the Yilo Krobo Constituency, a stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC.
Dr Bawumia exchanging pleasantries with the market women
Before arriving at the Nkurakan Market, enroute to Koforidua, the place was standstill as the people there were in a rush to catch a glimpse of Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, who stopped to exchange pleasantries with the market women as well as the residents.
Arriving in Koforidua, a massive crowd also ambushed Dr Bawumia as the noise prompted onlookers to also rush towards the principal streets to hail the arrival of the NPP presidential candidate.
Not long ago there have been cases of unknown individuals sabotaging government projects where many believes it is being occasioned by the opposition NDC to cause disaffection for the Akufo-Addo/NPP government. This is aimed at scoring cheap political scores by making the government unpopular.
VANDALISED TRANSFORMER
Early this year, certain individuals vandalized ECG transformers and stole copper wires. This incident by some unidentified persons plunged some communities into total darkness to cause a “DUMSOR” scare.
On March 19, 2024, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) witnessed a collapse of their distribution pylons (High Tension Distribution line). It was discovered that some unknown individuals had gone to steal the bolt and nuts attached to eight (8) ECGs pylons, which affected the following areas in Kumasi: Anwomaso BSP to Akyawkrom sub-station, Ejisu, Bekwai to Awiankwanta, Kumawu to Antoakrom, Maanso Nkwanta to Jacobu Samfo-Aduam, Ejisu to Onwe, Besease to Asotwe and Abankro to Baworo and surrounding.
VANDALIZED TRANSFORMER
Yesterday, April 18, 2024, The Ministry of Railway and the Ghana Railway Authority experienced another sabotage from the National Democratic Congress, during the test run of the newly procured trains for the Tema-Mpakadam rail-line. The branch secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abel Dzidotor, intentionally parked a Kia Truck on the railway, succeeding in his attempt to see the train crash.
Out of the 4 counts levelled against Mr. Dzidotor at the court, he pleaded guilty to 4 of it and has been sentenced to serve 6-month jail term.
NDC party communicator and former parliamentary candidate of the Asante Akyem North constituency, Mary Awusi has been exposed by her ex-boyfriend who revealed that the vitriolic NDC communicator has been living with HIV/AIDS for some time now.
Mary Awusi
According to the ex-boyfriend, Mary has been involved in multiple sex relationships which has resulted in such condition. Mary Awusi in 2016 contested the Parliamentary Elections for the Asante Akyem North Constituency on the ticket of the NDC where she obtained a paltry 969 votes representing 2.83% against his contender, Kwaku Asante-Boateng’s 31,151 representing 60.93%.
Failed NDC parliamentary candidate
The failed Parliamentary Candidate has since then become useless and a poodle of the NDC, consistently passing malicious comments and sleeping around with multiple men to make ends meet.
Vice President Dr. Bawumia has revealed a bold and ambitious plan to expand Ghana’s youth capacity and create access to international employment markets. At least one million young Ghanaians will receive IT skills training, including software creation, as part of government-private sector collaboration under the presidency of Dr.Bawumia.
Bawumia Speaks
This innovative project is being presented at a critical juncture, as technological proficiency and digital literacy are becoming more and more important in the global job market. Dr. Bawumia’s policy aims to solve unemployment and establish Ghana as a hub for qualified professionals in the world of technology by providing young Ghanaians with contemporary IT capabilities.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Technology is advancing so quickly that there is a continuing demand for skilled IT professionals across all businesses. The government is empowering people and enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in the global marketplace by funding the education and training of one million young Ghanaians.
Moreover, the collaboration with the private sector ensures that the training programs are aligned with industry needs and standards, maximizing the employability of the participants. This strategic partnership fosters a symbiotic relationship between the government, private enterprises, and the youth, driving economic growth and prosperity for all stakeholders.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Flagbearer of the NPP
Dr. Bawumia’s vision goes beyond job creation; it is about unleashing the untapped potential of Ghana’s youth and positioning them as drivers of innovation and progress in the digital age. By nurturing a skilled workforce capable of competing on a global scale, Ghana can attract investment, foster entrepreneurship, and chart a path towards sustainable development.
Vice President and the Presidential Candidate of the NPP speaks
Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to training 1 million youth in IT skills is a transformative step towards harnessing Ghana’s demographic dividend and securing a brighter future for generations to come. It is a bold vision that holds the promise of unlocking Ghana’s full potential in the digital era.
The P.R.O of Ghana National Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Mr. Joseph Padi expressed full confidence in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s (Flagbearer of NPP) policies as compared to other candidates who have popped up, vying to occupy the highest seat of the Republic of Ghana.
Speaking on TV3 Ghana’s Business Focus on Monday, February 12, 2024, Mr. Joseph Padi said he is really impressed, per where they come and it is something they have been calling for all these while. He also said they have been complaining of the high cost of doing business and that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s policy is welcoming and timely.
BACKGROUND
This endorsement came on the back of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s policy on introducing a new tax regime that will abolish the famous e-levy, emission tax, betting tax, electricity tax among other taxes. Dr. Bawumia’s vision is create a business-friendly flat tax rate. A flat tax of a percentage of income for individuals and SMEs, which constitute 98% of all businesses in Ghana, with appropriate exemption thresholds set to protect the poor.
Dr. Bawumia on February 7, 2024 outlined his Visions for Ghana, with regards to his bid to ascend the highest office of the land. The event was held at UPSA auditorium, with scores of Ghanaians and stakeholders present and pleased.
GUTA President
Mr. Joseph Padi added that they (GUTA) are looking forward to building a long standing business relation with Dr. Bawumia to see his vision come into fruition and ease the challenges that come with running business in the country.
In a momentous event scheduled for the 7th of February 2024 at 4:00 pm, Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, takes center stage as the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party. With the much-anticipated address titled “Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future,” Dr. Bawumia is set to unveil his vision for a prosperous and harmonious Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia is set to speak on the 7th
The chosen venue for this significant discourse is the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Dr. Bawumia’s focus on “Selfless Leadership” implies a departure from conventional political narratives, emphasizing a dedication to the collective welfare of the Ghanaian people. This theme echoes a commitment to servant leadership, where the needs and aspirations of the citizens take precedence over personal or political gain.
The concept of “Bold Solutions for the Future” hints at a forward-looking agenda that acknowledges the challenges faced by Ghana and proposes innovative, courageous approaches to address them. Dr. Bawumia seems poised to steer the nation’s economy and overall development through a transformative era, tackling issues head-on with strategic and daring initiatives.
As the event unfolds, it is anticipated that Dr. Bawumia will not only articulate his vision but also connect with the audience on a personal level. Humanizing the political discourse is crucial in fostering a sense of relatability and trust between leaders and the people they aim to serve.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Presidential Candidate of the NPP
This address serves as a pivotal moment in the political landscape, offering Ghanaians a glimpse into the leadership style and values that Dr. Bawumia envisions for the country. The choice of UPSA as the venue reinforces the importance of education in nation-building, signaling an understanding that a well-informed and empowered citizenry is vital for sustainable progress.
As Ghana eagerly awaits this event, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and hope for a new chapter guided by selfless leadership and bold solutions. Dr. Bawumia’s address has the potential to shape the narrative of the upcoming elections and, more importantly, the trajectory of Ghana’s future.
The High Court has received a new originating motion from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, headed by Kissi Agyebeng, asking for confirmation of the orders seizing and freezing the financial assets of Cecilia Dapaah, a former sanitation minister.
OSP Kissi Agyebeng
On Monday, September 11, a motion was filed, and it is anticipated that it will be considered on October 18 of the following year, 2023.
Six days after the Special Prosecutor complied with the High Court’s instructions to return the money it had confiscated as a result of its searches, the most recent step was taken.
Additional five thousand dollars (US$5,000.00) and two million seven hundred and thirty thousand cedis (GHC2,730,000.00) were found during a search by the Special Prosecutor and his team on July 24 at three homes connected to the former Minister.
Following that and in accordance with additional searches, the OSP filed an originating action at the High Court to get a confirmation order for the freezing of the former minister’s bank accounts, which contain sizable sums of money in both dollars and cedis.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah
Additionally, Cecilia Dapaah’s bank accounts and investments at Prudential Bank Limited and Societe Generale were subject to a court confirmation order.
However, that application, which was submitted on August 8, was rejected by the High Court, which was presided over by Justice Edward Twum, on the grounds that it was submitted after the seven-day legal deadline and that the OSP had committed an error in performing the search.
Former Member of Parliament(MP) for Suhum constituency, Fred Opare Ansah has appealed to the New Patriotic Party delegates to vote massively for the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during the party’s presidential primary.
The party will hold a Special Delegates Congress in August this year to trim the number of presidential aspirants from ten to five and the main congress in November to elect their flagbearer.
According to Opare Ansah, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has proven his competence to lead the country through his digital initiatives to transform Ghana.
He listed some initiatives such as the mobile money interoperability, paperless port system among others by the Vice President and the creation of a Ministry of Communication and Digitalization due to Dr. Bawumia’s foresight, stressing there is no person who represents the NPP’s chance of winning the 2024 elections than the Veep.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
“Dr. Bawumia represents the best chance of the NPP to continue beyond the traditional 8 years that we have seen a swinging between the two major political parties, the NPP and the NDC,” he charged the party delegates.
Ten candidates namely; Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade Minister; Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, former Agriculture Minister; Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, former Energy Minister; Boakye Agyarko, former Railways and Development Minister; Joe Ghartey, Member of Parliament for Assin Central; Kennedy Agyapong, former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party; Kwabena Agyepong among others have filed their nomination forms to contest the flagbearer race.
In an earlier piece on the most credible politician, HE, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, I observed among other things that “DMB has shaken the frontiers of political engagement in the country. Even in his humorous best he essentially ensures that campaigns and debates are issues-based. He has often found simple and witty ways to repel the mischief and propaganda of the NDC. His ‘chalie wote to boot’ response to President Mahama’s boot to boot campaign was one of the many subtle punches that kept a vicious opposition at bay, and also endeared him to many neutrals and technocrats. The NPP should do well to leverage on the benefits of this influence. It is to their advantage to try to sway the Ghanaian voter to concentrate on the many issues that require attention, which happily the party is addressing.
But that is not the topic for today even though the connection is too obvious to ignore.
As the internal NPP Presidential Primaries approach, the actions of a few rabble rousers simply become harder to contain. Harder not because they have any statistical chance to emerge victorious in the internal contest, but harder because it will not require any deep thinking from a Nursery Two child to understand that the needless effusions by the few untamed ‘party’ people are clear signposts on the road to self-destruction. You get a little bit deeper, and concerns about doing the NDC’s bidding begins to make sense to you. It is all the more surprising that a reasonable adult, will unleash their worst form of virulent attacks, some frankly bothering on the most reckless insults, on the party’s best bet in an election that will define the future of your party.
Vice President Bawumia
The NDC has always tried, sometimes unsuccessfully, to place an ethnic tag on the New Patriotic Party. The NPP has been able to douse this flame by producing two Vice-Presidents of Northern-Moslem descent in succession. But this did little to disarm the ever-toxic NDC. They quickly shifted the goal post, charging the NPP to put a Northerner as a flagbearer, if the party claims to be inclusive.
In a previous article, I dismissed any arguments grounded on geography and religion, and insisted that DMB comes to the contest solely on his credentials and solid records as the most visible, relevant, engaged, and productive Veep since the advent of the 4th Republic. But there is no denying the fact that DMB has flipped the Zongo and Northern support for the NPP, leaving the NDC both bewildered and angry. However, recent pronouncements from some aspirants and their hired assassins seem to me that, these people are very eager to ignore the lessons of history, and also keen to undo all that has been done to present the NPP as a truly inclusive national party. A party delegate at Kawokudi is less than charitable, and according to him, these people are paid agents of the NDC, and interested in damaging the party beyond repairs, post primaries.
Some of them, we know, actually hatched deadlier plots in 2016. The party delegate at Kawokudi is a true party man who understands that whoever wins the internal contest, the NPP has another big election to win, against an opponent that lurks dangerously to reverse all gains made over the past seven years, despite the difficult challenges imposed by global events and shocks. It requires that every party person who subscribes to the ideals of our forebears rises up to defend the record of the NPP in government. DMB has never shied away from that, but it is understandable, given that he has both the depth of knowledge to talk about our successes, and the loyalty to stand by the party’s record, no matter the circumstances. He is not the fair-weather party person with a consistent holier than thou know it all attitude
, plus an annoying sense of entitlement, who tries to run away from the record of the party he seeks to lead. He is not also the party man, who, as a sitting MP, was entrusted with an enormous opportunity to lead communication efforts of the party, but who returned grotesque results in a manner that will make the word incompetent a compliment. And indeed, DMB is not the party man who has since 2017 continuously denigrated the government and distanced himself from the party’s tireless pioneering efforts to transform our nation. More recently, one of the rabble rousers insulted opponents and cast ethnic slurs in his quest to become a flagbearer. In all these, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the man of the moment, looks forward to a truly inclusive NPP that will deliver prosperity to a united Ghana.
Against this background, it appears those doing the NDC’s bidding from within whilst pretending to be contesting in the internal race have nothing to lose. However, it is refreshing to hear the rising voices of party delegates, sending clear messages of caution to aspirants that no matter the outcome of the internal contest, we shall need a united party going into the 2024 elections, and many others to come. We cannot allow the greed, ill-conceived and uncoordinated thoughts of a few party people, with questionable loyalty and competence, to derail the greater good. DMB represents the mood of the party; a mood that has emerged following DMB’s unparalleled sense of commitment, vision, pioneering engagement, competence and loyalty. DMB has consistently shown respect to his boss, The President, showing that the greatest compliment one can pay to his leader is to do your very best in effecting their vision. We have seen DMB do this with panache, enthusiasm, and a commitment never seen in Ghanaian politics, in countless ground-breaking development initiatives over the last 7 years.
The NDC has its candidate. Common sense tells them that the main opponent is DMB. It is only a fool who will not recognise the one that can floor him in a wrestling bout. It is trite that the NPP candidate the NDC most feared facing is DMB. The NDC knows that the man who can floor its candidate is DMB, and so to the party, from day one, it has been a strategy to utterly discredit DMB, and It is sad to note that they have allies in the NPP in this process. NDC people do not care about the other candidates because they know no threat resides in any of them. In a bizarre twist, the NDC even supports the bids of the other pretenders.
The NDC’s strategy to handling DBM is to support a weaker candidate in the NPP. But isn’t it surprising that these internal rabble rousers do not foresee what threats lie ahead of them in the unlikely event of a Mahama victory? They will be the biggest losers, casualties, if you would!
Most credible politician, Bawumia
All in all, whilst HE Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu is focused on the big picture by telling the NPP’s story and how that translates into prosperity for all Ghanaians, some of his brothers in the internal contest are fixated on trivia, unearned sense of entitlement, and a race down to the bottom to dismember a party they profess to love. I cannot help but quote from DMB’s speech after filing his nomination papers. “Having implemented these transformational policy initiatives, it is very important that we don’t go backwards as a country. We cannot put the country back in the hands of people who don’t have an understanding of and belief in the vision. That is why it is important for us to break the eight. There is still much more to do.” And I dare add, indeed, there is much more to do, and we are looking at 2024 right now and the stakes are much higher. An opportunity is offered in DMB, who has everything working in his favour and for the benefit of the party’s electoral fortunes: competence, humility, diversity, loyalty and belief. The signal is strong and getting stronger. It is possible, and we can’t screw this up!
On behalf of the entire Dombo family, l extend our humble greetings to the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and the entire leadership at all levels of the New Patriotic Party, both past and present.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
As a family that has been part of the root and fabric of the great historic tradition of the founding of the United Party tradition, through to the Progress Party (PP), the Popular Front Party (PFP) and now the New Patriotic Party, the Dombo faction has always demonstrated their unflinching and unwavering loyalty to our historic United Party tradition.
From the historic journey and constructive engagement of our great Patriach, Chief Simon Diedong Dombo (Chief S D. Dombo), in the politics of what brought our country Ghana, into being today, we his offspring, are in no doubt or elusion whatsoever, that our great Patriarch, didn’t achieve those heroics as a statesman, on his own or as an individual whose qualities stood out distinct and unique from those of his northern peers and brethren at the time.
The leadership role of our great Patriach emerged as a result of the unity and totality of support of his entire northern brethren at the time, of which one Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, of blessed memory, was one of them. Some of these brethren of our Patriach, we believe, might have had to subdue their own personal ambitions at the time, for the sake of a common cause, in order to support their senior brother to assume the leadership mantle at the time.
Brethren of this our great UP tradition, we of the Dombo family, will want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation, first and foremost to all the northern political forerunners, like in the persons of and not exclusive or in any order of preference, Alhaji Yakubu Tali, Alhaji B.K. Adama, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chief Jatoe Kaleo, Chief Lawyer Abeifa Karbo, H E Dr. Hilla Liman, (President of the Third Republic), all of blessed memory and many other unsung heroes of the political struggles of the then Northern Territories. These and many others, at the time, all threw their singular united and unwavering support behind our father and Patriach, Chief SD Dombo to lead the then Northern People Party, until the enactment of ADA 1957, (CA 38).
S.D. Dombo
It is for the sacrifices of these great fellow Northern compatriots and Patriachal political fathers that the name Dombo had the privilege of being the name used as among the founding fathers of the United Party tradition. We the decendants of the Chief SD Dombo Patriachal line, wish to take this opportunity to make this humble admission and also to express our deep sense of belonging and appreciation and to acknowledge all of our Northern decent, who have been part of making possible this history of the United Party that has come to stay for ever.
Brethren of our great political tradition, since the formation of the United Party as a result of the Avoidance of Discrimination Act (ADA) 1957 (C.A. 38), we on this side of the tradition, for the sake of unity of our tradition, have always thrown our support behind whoever gets elected at our presidential primaries. This is what democracy entails and as we of this tradition stand firm and hold high these values, we should be the last to want to ask for any favours that may in one way or the other, diminish these our credentials.
However, as the old adage goes, if a family is one, then they should demonstrate that in the manner they revolve the cleaning of the soup bowl. In making this our humble appeal, it is not about entitlement or making a premature call for ‘our turn’. It is a humble plea and an appeal to the rank and file at all levels of our party, to support the Presidential primaries bid of H.E. the Vice President, Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia.
We are making this plea for the first time since the marriage that brought forth the UP tradition. It is a national voluntary call, that transcends ethnic or tribal boundaries. It is not based on any ethnocentrism or sense of entitlement but on grounds of every healthy marriage and mutual co-existence, a mutuality that pre-supposes and disposes of mutual respect.
In the Presidential primaries of 2007, a son of Northern Ghana extraction, in the person of HE Alhaji Aliu Mahama, and thus, representing the Dombo faction of our great tradition, who had loyally served as a deputy to then President J.A. Kuffuor, among many others, contested but lost to our current President of the Republic of Ghana, HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.
For reasons of not being seen as seeking entitlement, we of this faction of our great tradition, always bury our heads in the sand. We however feel that this time around, we should appeal to the sympathy of our great party faithful and loyalists, to rally behind the second gentleman of the land, who has demonstrated the abilities to capably succeed HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and to lead us into winning the 2024 general elections.
Once again, we are grateful to you all and appreciate and acknowledge the role everyone played in getting our political tradition to where we are today. Undeniably, it has been a long and tedious political journey from the 1950s to now, but has all been made possible by our common understanding and unity. Nothing is impossible. Thank you.
