Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, has urged Ghanaians to vote against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its leader, John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December 7 general elections. Speaking at a rally in Saboba on November 23, 2024, Bawumia claimed that under the NDC’s governance, the five northern regions of Ghana were neglected and resources allocated for their development were mismanaged. He highlighted a lack of progress in these areas, attributing it to the failures of the NDC during its time in power, particularly in implementing developmental projects effectively.
Bawumia took particular aim at the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), which had been one of the NDC’s key initiatives aimed at facilitating growth in the northern regions. He alleged that funds designated for SADA were wasted on poorly designed programs, notably pointing out the controversial guinea fowl farming project. He argued that this initiative failed to yield any real benefits for the residents of the northern regions and instead became emblematic of the NDC’s alleged corruption and mismanagement during Mahama’s presidency. His attacks on the NDC included sharp criticisms of Mahama’s administration, stressing that the financial resources, amounting to hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis, did not translate into visible development.
The former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana expressed frustration over the absence of any substantial developmental outcome from SADA initiatives in key areas like Saboba. By reiterating his accusations, Bawumia emphasized the notion that the NDC had failed the people of the northern regions, a sentiment he believes should guide voters in the approaching elections. He provocatively questioned Mahama’s credibility and ability to lead again, noting the historical context of his administration’s failures and lack of tangible achievements during his previous tenure.
Bawumia’s rhetoric also played on the anecdote regarding the guinea fowls said to have “flown to Burkina Faso,” which has become a popular punchline in Ghanaian politics. This particular claim has been widely ridiculed, and Bawumia used it to highlight the absurdity of Mahama’s leadership during SADA’s operation. By recalling this quip, he sought to reinforce the image of the NDC as a party that could not be trusted to manage public funds or deliver on promised projects, urging voters to remember these failures as they head to the polls.
As the election approaches, Bawumia is positioning himself as a capable alternative to Mahama, focusing on the NPP’s record and proposed plans for national development. His message aligns with his party’s broader narrative of progress and success in governance, contrasting sharply with what he describes as the NDC’s inefficiency. The campaign rally in Saboba is indicative of the NPP’s strategy to engage directly with constituents, rallying support through emotional appeals relating to past grievances experienced by the northern populations under previous administrations.
In conclusion, Dr. Bawumia’s recent campaign remarks compel voters to contemplate the implications of returning Mahama to power. The underlying message of his address is clear: the NDC’s past governance has resulted in profound neglect and mismanagement, particularly affecting the northern regions of Ghana. With the elections fast approaching, the emphasis on the accountability of former leaders serves as both a call to action for his supporters and a challenge to potential voters considering the shift back to an NDC leadership. Bawumia’s insistence on the need for decisive action against the NDC aims to mobilize voters in what he frames as a crucial election for the future of the nation.
