Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana and current flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has emphasized his dedication to inclusivity in governance, promising a significant shift in appointment procedures should he be elected President. Central to his campaign is a commitment to empowering grassroots party members by ensuring their representation in government positions. This initiative, conceived before he secured the NPP flagbearer position, addresses a long-standing concern within the party: the perceived marginalization of loyal members once the party assumes power. Dr. Bawumia believes this policy will not only reward dedicated service but also revitalize party structures and foster a stronger connection between the government and the people it serves.
Dr. Bawumia’s proposed policy centers on decentralizing presidential appointments. The President of Ghana typically has the power to appoint approximately 7,000 individuals to various positions across different levels of government, spanning international, national, regional, and district roles. Dr. Bawumia’s plan aims to devolve at least one-third of these appointments to the constituency level, ensuring wider representation and participation in governance. This translates to a minimum of 10 appointments allocated to each of Ghana’s 276 constituencies, with the possibility of more for larger constituencies. This decentralized approach will ensure that local communities have a direct voice and stake in government affairs.
The rationale behind this policy stems from recognizing the crucial role grassroots members play in electoral success and the need to appreciate their contributions beyond campaign periods. Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the findings of the Mike Oquaye committee, which investigated the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat. The report identified the neglect of the grassroots as a significant contributing factor to the party’s loss. This reinforces the urgency and importance of Dr. Bawumia’s proposed policy, validating the concerns raised by party members and demonstrating a commitment to learn from past mistakes. By directly addressing this issue, he aims to rebuild trust and strengthen the party’s foundation.
Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia argues that this initiative is not merely a political strategy but a matter of fairness and recognizing the talent pool within the party. He believes that every constituency possesses qualified men and women capable of contributing meaningfully to governance. This inclusive approach seeks to tap into the diverse skills and experiences present at the grassroots level, fostering a more representative and effective government. By distributing opportunities more evenly, the policy aims to prevent the concentration of power and ensure that talent and dedication are rewarded regardless of geographical location.
This commitment to grassroots inclusion is not a new idea for Dr. Bawumia. He first announced this proposal before winning the NPP flagbearer slot in 2023, demonstrating that this is a deeply held conviction and not simply a campaign tactic. Now, having secured the nomination, he has reaffirmed his determination to implement this policy, emphasizing its importance in his vision for Ghana’s future. This consistency underscores the sincerity of his commitment and suggests that this policy will be a priority in his administration.
In essence, Dr. Bawumia’s policy proposal represents a significant departure from traditional appointment processes, emphasizing inclusivity and grassroots empowerment. He envisions a government where every constituency has a voice and where dedicated party members are recognized and given the opportunity to serve. This approach aims to strengthen the party, improve governance, and ultimately benefit the people of Ghana by ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of all communities. By prioritizing grassroots participation, Dr. Bawumia seeks to create a more representative and effective government that truly serves the interests of the entire nation.
