Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, a former Member of Parliament for Sekondi, has lauded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana, for his pivotal role in driving policies that significantly broadened financial inclusion across the nation. Mercer emphasized Dr. Bawumia’s instrumental contribution to expanding access to banking services for a vast segment of the Ghanaian populace. Speaking during an interview on Accra-based Joy Prime, Mercer highlighted the mobile money interoperability system, implemented under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, as a transformative initiative that effectively provided every Ghanaian with the opportunity to own a bank account and seamlessly transfer funds. This innovation, according to Mercer, revolutionized financial transactions in Ghana, bridging the gap between formal banking and the unbanked population.
Mercer further asserted that Dr. Bawumia is the most marketable candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2028 general elections. He posited that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has already exhausted its arsenal of criticisms against Dr. Bawumia, rendering their attacks less effective. Mercer believes that the NDC perceives Dr. Bawumia as a formidable political opponent, evident in their previous efforts to discredit him. He argues that with the NDC’s criticisms already aired, Dr. Bawumia has the opportunity to present his narrative to the Ghanaian public without the burden of responding to fresh attacks.
Furthermore, Mercer contends that Dr. Bawumia’s current position outside of government allows him to focus on engaging directly with the people and sharing his vision for Ghana’s future. This, according to Mercer, will further solidify his appeal and enhance his marketability as the NPP’s presidential candidate. He anticipates that being free from the daily demands of government office will provide Dr. Bawumia with the time and space to connect with citizens on a deeper level and present his political agenda effectively.
Dr. Bawumia’s contributions to Ghana’s financial landscape extend beyond the mobile money interoperability system. He has been a strong advocate for leveraging technology to modernize the country’s economy and improve the delivery of public services. His vision includes promoting digitalization across various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, to enhance efficiency and transparency. He also champions policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and promoting private sector growth as key drivers of economic development.
Dr. Bawumia’s political journey reflects a consistent focus on economic development and technological advancement. Prior to serving as Vice President, he held prominent positions at the Bank of Ghana, where he played a significant role in stabilizing the country’s currency and strengthening the financial sector. His experience in both the public and private sectors provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana.
In preparation for the 2028 elections, Dr. Bawumia has formally submitted his nomination to contest the NPP’s flagbearer race, scheduled for January 31, 2026. This marks a crucial step in his pursuit of the presidency. The upcoming primaries will be a key test of his popularity within the party and his ability to mobilize support among its delegates. His campaign is likely to focus on his track record of economic achievements, his vision for Ghana’s future, and his commitment to serving the people.
