I must admit, there is a lot to be done as a country. We are not accelerating as we would want in areas such as health infrastructure, education, finance, and other sectors of our economy. However, I’m yet to see the NDC present a reasonable policy that will enable us to develop these sectors of our economy within the shortest possible time.
A feature by Stephen Marfo Adu
People went on the streets to protest for various reasons; which, to me, are all valid. Indeed, the government has to step up its game, especially in the case of rebuilding the La General Hospital. But rest assured, the attempts being made by certain partisan actors (within the organizers of the demo) to downplay the government’s effort will not wash. Under this administration, we have seen the most ambitious investment ever made within the health sector: Agenda 111, where the government has tasked itself with building 111 hospitals in record time. Eighty-eight hospitals are expected to be completed and fully operational in 2024.
This is the first time an administration in this country has decided to make education at the secondary level free nationwide under the flagship program Free Senior High School (FSHS). It’s foreknown that a program like this will test the already existing high school infrastructure to its limit, and it’s worth acknowledging the plans the government has put in place to reduce/eliminate this pressure. The plans include building new senior high schools (10 of them being STEM-focused), TVET centers, and expanding classroom blocks and boarding houses in already existing high schools. Some of these high schools and TVET centers have already opened their doors, and the majority are near completion. There is more to be done, and it shall be done.
Since 2017, over 10,875 kilometers of new roads have been constructed, be it highways or inner-city roads, compared to the 503 kilometers of roads constructed between 2009 and 2016. This shows this administration’s commitment to expanding and improving our roads. Road accidents on the Accra-Kumasi road have reduced significantly due to the road expansion by the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration.
NPP and NDC
There are many policies that have been implemented by this administration to make our lives easier, from the digitization of our healthcare and financial systems to industrialization, but there’s always more room for improvement. However, if there’s anything that history has taught us, it’s that the NPP is a party that gets things done. President Kuffuor’s achievements live on, and so will President Akufo-Addo’s legacy live on once he leaves office.
My advice to Ghanaian youth: you are fighting for valid reasons, and no one can tell you otherwise. Protesting for the cost of dialysis to be subsidized is a good cause, and so is protesting for the Tema motorway to be fixed. However, it’s necessary to call out the selfish NDC actors who want to piggyback off your agitations into government (The Jubilee House); they have nothing to offer you
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong, has said his recent comment about government’s “poor” management of the cedi was not targeted at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.
“You call yourself a strategist but when we were taking over power the dollar was GHC4, today US$1 is GHC12 and yet you call yourself a strategist,” Agyapong told NPP delegates. “In March 2022, I had US$40 million in cedi equivalent, in August 2022 the value of the US$40 million had dropped to US$16 million.” According to him, the strategist he was referring to in his tirade was a specific lawmaker.
“The truth hurts… so you are the victim, and I am educating you, and you think I’m hitting back? You see, they are not being fair. I did not hit the Vice President but I hit one MP because he said, ‘We don’t want somebody who will come and say that I have done this and that for the party and Ghana, but we want a strategist,’” Agyapong told Home Radio in the Upper West Region. Respect for Bawumia “I have the utmost respect for Vice President Bawumia and his strategic thinking,” Agyapong, who is also aspiring to become the party’s presidential candidate said. “He has demonstrated time and again his ability to effectively strategise for the benefit of the party and the country as a whole.”
Hon. Kennedy Agyapong
Agyapong did not name the lawmaker in the interview but said that MP was in Parliament “shouting” Ghana was not going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but “within two hours the country was there.” The maverick politician also called on the media to avoid sensationalism in their reportage.
“The people that I have helped, made them who they are today, they are the ones that are against me. I bought cars, gave them money, campaigned for them to win their seats, but now, they’re my number one enemies. But I just look at them, and I say ‘Lord, forgive them because of their stomach’”, Agyapong said.
The Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign communication bureau has dismissed claims by one Nigerian journalist believed to have been contacted by John Mahama to smear Vice President Bawumia’s campaign of becoming the Presidential Candidate of the governing New Patriotic party.
Dr. Bawumia, NPP Presidential Aspirant
The communique reads;
“The attention of the Bawumia Campaign Team has been drawn to a post by one David Humdeyin, a journalist in Nigeria, that the Bawumia Campaign is being funded by some Islamic group in Nigeria called the ACF.
We notice that the same narrative has been copied by some persons and groups in Ghana on social media. This narrative is obviously false, fabricated, and only serves the propaganda purposes of its promoters.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Bawumia Campaign has no funding or any linkage with any Islamic group in Nigeria or anywhere else.
We also note that the said David Humdeyin has demonstrated a penchant for making similar claims against some persons and groups in Nigeria without any basis whatsoever
H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The Bawumia Campaign is focused and will not be distracted by such vain untruths.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been very diligent and transparent from his days as a scholar, banker, and politician throughout his life and will not depart from these now and forever”.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, recently outlined his vision for constituency empowerment during his ongoing campaign tour. As part of this vision, he promised to allocate at least 10 government appointments to each constituency if elected as the NPP’s flag bearer and successfully winning the 2024 election. This proposal aims to bridge the gap between the party and government, ensuring that qualified and competent individuals from local constituencies have a voice in national governance. While some critics, such as Franklin Cudjoe, have expressed skepticism, it is essential to examine the merits of this proposition and highlight the potential benefits it holds for the NPP and the nation as a whole.
NPP Flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Empowering Constituencies:
Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to allocating government appointments directly to the constituencies exemplifies his dedication to grassroots empowerment. By offering each constituency a significant number of slots within the government, he aims to provide a platform for local representatives to contribute to the decision-making processes at the national level. This initiative is an integral part of fostering inclusive governance, as it ensures that the concerns and perspectives of grassroots party members are adequately represented in the corridors of power.
The Role of the Constituency Party:
Under Dr. Bawumia’s proposal, the constituency party will have the responsibility of nominating 10 qualified and competent individuals for government appointments. This process not only fosters local participation but also ensures that those selected are accountable to their respective constituencies. The nominees will be aware that their appointments were made through the local party, reinforcing the connection between the party and its elected officials. Additionally, this mechanism prevents any appointees from disregarding their party responsibilities, as the party can use the whip system to address any such issues. Ultimately, this approach establishes a stronger bond between the party, government, and the constituents they represent.
Countering Skepticism:
Critics, including Franklin Cudjoe, have questioned the competence and viability of Dr. Bawumia’s proposal. However, it is important to note that competency is not solely determined by the size or reach of an individual’s organization, such as IMANI Ghana. Dr. Bawumia’s emphasis on selecting qualified and competent individuals reflects his commitment to ensuring that the best talents are engaged in driving national development. Furthermore, the process of nomination by the constituency party adds an additional layer of scrutiny, minimizing the risk of appointees being chosen based on nepotism or favoritism.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia’s vision for constituency empowerment through government appointments is a commendable step towards enhancing inclusive governance and strengthening the bond between the party and its grassroots supporters. By providing each constituency with at least 10 slots, he is offering an avenue for capable individuals to contribute to national decision-making processes. This initiative will bridge the gap between the party and government, reinforcing the party’s influence and ensuring that appointees remain accountable to their respective constituencies. While skepticism exists, it is important to recognize the merits of this proposal and the potential positive impact it can have on Ghana’s governance. Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to inclusive and competent governance warrants support and recognition from within the NPP and across the nation.
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 the highly anticipated NPP presidential primaries, one candidate stands out as the clear favorite: the most credible politician, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Most credible politician, Dr. Bawumia
With consistently high approval ratings and a reputation for economic prowess, Dr. Bawumia has positioned himself as the most experienced and qualified contender in the race. As a vice president, he has played a crucial role in steering Ghana’s economic growth by championing innovative reforms like digitalization of government services. Additionally, his down-to-earth demeanor and unwavering commitment to public service has made him a popular figure among his contemporaries, especially for his dedication to improving the lives of marginalized communities. While facing competition from other candidates, such as Alan Kyerematen and Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia’s strong track record and widespread appeal makes him the frontrunner in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries.
Unwavering Approval Ratings: Recent polls conducted by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (GCDD) indicates that Bawumia’s approval rating is 62% with his best opponent, Alan Kyeremanten trailing at 38%. This substantial margin reflects the trust and confidence Ghanaians place in his ability to lead and effect a positive change.
Unparalleled Experience and Qualifications: Dr. Bawumia’s six-year tenure as vice president, coupled with his extensive prior government service, underscores his unparalleled experience and qualifications. His profound understanding of Ghana’s economy and the challenges it faces positions him as a candidate who can navigate complex economic landscapes with confidence and expertise.
A Populist Leader for All Ghanaians: Dr. Bawumia’s appeal extends beyond his economic acumen. Ghanaians regard him as a relatable and honest leader who genuinely cares about their concerns. His down-to-earth nature and approachability have fostered a connection with citizens across the nation, further enhancing his popularity and trustworthiness.
A Resilient and Experienced Campaign Team: Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team, comprising seasoned professionals, has meticulously devised a winning strategy for both the primaries and the general election. Their experience and expertise in mobilizing support, coupled with Dr. Bawumia’s popularity, provide a formidable force that positions him favorably in the race.
H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
As the NPP presidential primaries draw nearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerges as the leading candidate, backed by his remarkable approval ratings, extensive experience, and wide popularity among Ghanaians. With a proven track record of economic management, his ability to introduce vital reforms, and an unwavering commitment to public service, Dr. Bawumia embodies the qualities desired in a leader who can guide Ghana toward progress and prosperity. While facing competition from other candidates, the strength of Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy, supported by his exceptional qualifications and the dedication of his campaign team, positions him as the frontrunner and a formidable contender for the presidency of Ghana.
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!
Bawumia is a household name and a Political Stronghold in Ghana which cannot be questioned by anyone.
He came in a neophyte politician! He was technocrat and became a politician. The transition was amazing. The Bawumia who came into politics in 2008 innocently and gentlemanly has become a Tough nut 🌰 and politically inclined person.
Dr. Bawumia files nomination
As a politician, he became the most reliable running mate one could find, and an effective Vice President. In fact, Dr. Bawumia has become the yardstick for the selection of presidential running mate in our recent political history, one must match up to him, a fact even his detractors concede.
By August 2013 As a star witness for the Npp at the Supreme Court, Bawumia’s brilliant data presented and analysis given of the issues during court proceedings made him appreciated. It was a live broadcast nationally making popular and accepted by many, especially members of his party who had doubted his political credentials. He was so brilliant and analytical in his submissions that he was widely nicknamed Dr. Pink Sheet
Bawumia won the hearts of many Ghanaians and patriots with his delivery on 2012 election petition and it became Evident on the pink sheet the guy was on a quick ascendancy! That was when he coined the ever famous political term in Ghana 🇬🇭 “You and I were not there” He stands in my eyes the leader of the pack amongst the incoming candidates.
He’s humble, he’s Jovial, he’s a link between the 2 most popular religious groups in Ghana, where they all claim him as theirs. It’s beautiful
Steering away from Scandals and Personal public vendettas makes him a pick for many.
Dr. Bawumia and wife Samira
He has been in power so long to have courted some affection and love amongst his colleague politicians. He was appreciated so much by Nana Addo that it looked more like Nana’s boys and loyalists became his boys. That the loyalty to Nana almost became a birthright to Bawumia.
Bawumia Stands tall amongst all others, I know it won’t be an override by him as Politics is more than we see with the eye. As an ardent follower and admirer of Kennedy Agyapong, it hurts to say but the DMB brand is too Strong and Viable to cut short.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has declared that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will win the 2024 general elections. He stated that the strong track record of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration will serve as the foundation for this. Dr. Bawumia highlighted a distinction between the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) while speaking at the NPP’s International Women’s Conference in the United Kingdom (UK). The Covid-19 pandemic, which struck the entire world in late 2019, “wreaked havoc on all economies of the world from 2020 until date, affected global supply chains, and the response put a burden on public finances,” Dr. Bawumia said in his speech.
“Inflation, exchange rate depreciation and debt levels globally hit a 40 year high as countries scrambled to cope with the impact on lives and livelihoods. In Ghana, inflation increased from 12.9% in December 2021 to 54% by December 2022 with an attendant depreciation of the Ghana cedi by 30% in 2022”. “These crises (COVID and Russia-Ukraine) came at a time when we were yet to fully recover from some major challenges we inherited. In particular, we inherited excess energy capacity payments resulting from power purchase agreements entered into by the previous 4 government” Dr Bawumia said.
In his statement, the Vice President emphasised the message of possibility that has been the theme of his recent addresses. According to him, the opposition NDC is made up of people who have “shackled mindsets who always think in terms of things being impossible to do,” and that the NPP as a party and as a government is “dealing politically with people with those mindsets.”
“When you try to move the country forward with new ideas, they mask their ignorance by mocking you, ridiculing you and calling you a liar. But in the process, they only expose their lack of understanding of the issues. “My response to them is to stay focused, not get angry but rather make it happen! That is the best victory you can have over the naysayers! Make what they think is impossible possible! What we have been able to accomplish so far shows that it is possible for Ghana to achieve many things that some believe to be impossible” Dr Bawumia said. “With what we have done and continue doing in the wake of the global challenges, the outcome, thus far, points to an auspicious future” Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia added.
Dr. Bawumia called on all well-meaning Ghanaian to judge the two main political parties (NPP & NDC) by what they did while in office and not what they say when they are out in office.
The vice president’s bid to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2024 elections has received the support of the party’s overseas supporters. The “Diaspora4Bawumia” organisation is pleading with their party’s delegates to support Dr. Bawumia, who will be running for president alongside his wife, the Second Lady Samira Bawumia. They think the couple will make outstanding leaders who will significantly improve Ghana. They also believed the Second Lady is the kind of instrumental woman that the nation needs to support her husband to bring development.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW NPP CAMPAIGN 2024: VOTE BAWUMIA, GET SAMIRA FREED
In the realm of potential first ladies actively engaged in campaign platforms for either the NPP or NDC, Samira Bawumia stands out alongside Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. Her captivating presence ignited tremendous enthusiasm during the NPP rallies of the 2016 and 2020 campaigns. The 2024 campaign would be very exciting to have Samira Bawumia going after Mahama as a potential First Lady. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia must win the NPP’s presidential primaries to make this happen.
NDC ran more efficient campaigns when Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu led separate teams to criss-cross the whole country. While Rawlings led a group of party stalwarts in the south, Nana Konadu met women in the north with her 31st December Women’s Wing of the party. Those were crowd-pulling days for NDC, and their rallies were ecstatic with party supporters and floating voters. However, with Dr Bawumia and Samira, the table turns in favour of the NPP.
In 2020, Mahama leveraged his female vice-presidential candidate to gain more support from women, akin to Nana Konadu’s contributions to Rawlings and the NDC. With Dr Bawumia as the presidential candidate, Samira’s efforts will intensify to counter Jane Naana’s campaign in the event she partners with Mahama again. Moreover, if Jane does not join forces with Mahama in the 2024 elections, Samira will make deeper inroads into NDC’s strongholds. None of the ten presidential candidates possesses a dynamic campaigning spouse capable of executing this strategic endeavour to break the eight.
Samira’s youthful charisma, persuasive abilities, and fashionable allure will attract the gatherings of young Ghanaians, particularly young women. Her influence will be instrumental in winning over Zongo women, galvanizing support from the youth, and appealing to the general voting populace on behalf of the NPP. A remarkable surge of lady-led campaign groups will emerge to rally behind Samira, promoting Dr Bawumia and the NPP. She will not only be a firebrand campaigner for her husband and the party but also an essential asset in Dr Bawumia’s potential presidency.
Ghana is poised to witness an exceptional duo reminiscent of the experience of Barack and Michelle Obama as the first gentleman and first lady. It would be an experience to behold. Dr Bawumia must win, and this is re-echoed in the voice of the Diaspora.
Diaspora4DMB!
Diaspora4Bawumia!
The Diaspora Voice!
Kwasi Owusu-Afriyie – Finland (Comms & Research Director, Disapora4DMB)
Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu – UK (Chairman, Diaspora4DMB)
