Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana and a contender for the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a direct challenge to his rivals in the upcoming party elections. Speaking at the NPP New York branch’s 33rd-anniversary celebration, he emphasized the need for a contest based on substance—vision, policy proposals, and verifiable achievements—rather than divisive appeals to ethnicity or religion. He argued that the future of the NPP, and indeed Ghana, hinges on leadership grounded in integrity and competence, not on exploiting tribal or religious sentiments. He called on his competitors to present their own visions, track records, and integrity for the party to evaluate and make an informed decision.
Dr. Bawumia directly addressed attempts to undermine his candidacy based on his northern origins and Islamic faith. He characterized such tactics as not only untrue but also dangerous and contrary to the NPP’s long-standing commitment to democratic principles. He underscored his consistent dedication to the party, recounting his role in defending the NPP during the 2013 election petition, his tireless campaigning efforts that contributed to the party’s victories in 2016 and 2020, and his instrumental role in spearheading key national reforms, particularly in the area of digitalization. He questioned why, after such a demonstrably loyal service record, his identity was suddenly being weaponized against him within the party.
The former Vice President emphasized the NPP’s historical strength as an inclusive party that has united diverse communities and traditions under a common banner. He reminded the audience that the party’s past electoral successes were built on a shared vision for national progress, not on divisive appeals to sectional interests. He urged the party to prioritize leadership qualities such as humility, incorruptibility, steadiness of purpose, and demonstrable competence in its internal selection process. He warned that succumbing to tribal or religious bigotry would not only undermine the party’s unity but also jeopardize its very survival.
Dr. Bawumia’s call for a campaign focused on substance underscores the importance of policy debate and a clear articulation of vision for Ghana’s future. He effectively frames the leadership contest as a choice between progress driven by ideas and competence versus stagnation fueled by divisive rhetoric. His emphasis on his own track record serves not only as a defense against identity-based attacks but also as a benchmark for evaluating other candidates. This approach aims to elevate the discourse beyond personal attacks and focus on the crucial issues facing the nation.
The former Vice President’s invocation of the NPP’s inclusive history serves as a powerful reminder of the party’s core values and a subtle rebuke to those who seek to exploit divisions for political gain. By highlighting past successes achieved through unity and a shared vision, he implicitly warns against the dangers of straying from this path. His emphasis on qualities such as humility and incorruptibility acknowledges the public’s growing demand for ethical leadership and positions him as a candidate committed to these principles.
In essence, Dr. Bawumia’s message is a call for a return to the founding principles of the NPP, emphasizing unity, inclusivity, and a focus on national development. His challenge to his rivals to compete on ideas and achievements sets the stage for a potentially transformative leadership contest. The outcome of this contest will not only determine the future direction of the NPP but also have significant implications for the broader political landscape of Ghana as the nation heads towards the 2028 elections. He concludes by reiterating that the NPP’s strength lies in its broad appeal and that by adhering to its foundational principles of inclusivity and focusing on substantive policy proposals, the party can secure victory in the upcoming elections.
