Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana and a prominent flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), formally submitted his nomination forms, setting the stage for a competitive race towards the 2028 elections. The event, held at the NPP headquarters in Accra, was marked by a massive show of support from party faithful, who rallied behind Bawumia with chants and placards proclaiming him as the “winnable candidate” and the “formidable choice” for the upcoming polls. This vibrant display of grassroots enthusiasm underscores Bawumia’s significant appeal within the NPP and positions him as a leading contender in the party’s internal selection process. The presence of several high-ranking party officials, including former Members of Parliament and Chief Executives, further solidified the significance of Bawumia’s bid and highlighted his established network within the NPP hierarchy.
Central to Bawumia’s campaign is a sharp critique of the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, which he accused of failing to deliver on its promises and exacerbating the economic hardships faced by ordinary Ghanaians. He specifically pointed to the NDC’s alleged dismissal of workers, contrasting it with their campaign pledge of a 24-hour economy and job creation. Bawumia vowed to reinstate these dismissed workers if elected, framing this promise as part of a broader strategy to alleviate the suffering of the population. He also outlined a comprehensive vision for national development, encompassing a constituency-based budgeting approach, the creation of a modern digital economy, and the promotion of equal opportunities for marginalized groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and grassroots communities.
Bawumia’s economic plan emphasizes growth and empowerment. He pledged to prioritize job creation, establish a national credit system, support domestic production through local procurement policies inspired by advanced economies, and ease the overall fiscal burden on citizens. His proposal to dedicate three percent of the public sector’s GDP spending to local procurement from the private sector represents a significant commitment to stimulating domestic businesses and fostering economic growth. This multifaceted approach reflects Bawumia’s focus on tackling unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship, and improving the overall economic well-being of Ghanaians.
Beyond economic policy, Bawumia stressed the imperative of party unity ahead of the 2028 elections. Positioning himself as the most prepared candidate to lead the NPP, he highlighted his extensive experience within the party and government, spanning 16 years. He contrasted his long-standing dedication to the NPP with the wealth of some other potential contenders, emphasizing his commitment to service and his deep understanding of the party’s values and goals. This appeal to loyalty and experience seeks to resonate with party members who value a candidate with a proven track record and a deep understanding of the NPP’s political landscape.
To further bolster his candidacy, Bawumia showcased his accomplishments as Vice President, emphasizing his role in key initiatives such as the Bank of Ghana’s Gold Purchase Programme, the Gold-for-Oil initiative, the Ghana Card rollout, and various digitalization projects. He also highlighted social interventions like the Agenda 111 hospital construction program, the One Constituency One Ambulance initiative, and the “No Guarantor” Student Loan Scheme. By presenting this extensive list of achievements, Bawumia aimed to demonstrate his competence and effectiveness in governance, portraying himself as a results-oriented leader who has already made a tangible impact on the lives of Ghanaians. He positioned these achievements as evidence of his “richness in ideas” and his readiness to lead the country.
In a cautionary note to his fellow aspirants and supporters, Bawumia warned against divisive rhetoric, particularly religious-based attacks, arguing that such tactics would only benefit the NDC. He called for a united front against the opposition, emphasizing the need to focus on challenging the NDC’s performance rather than engaging in internal squabbles. He also criticized the NDC for failing to fulfill key campaign promises, including those related to cocoa farmer payments and measures to combat illegal mining. This condemnation of the incumbent government reinforces Bawumia’s core campaign message, portraying the NDC as ineffective and untrustworthy while presenting himself as a viable and competent alternative.
