Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
The Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, NPP Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has lambasted former President John Mahama for his incessant attacks and insults on traditional leaders, pastors, imams, and civil society organizations (CSOs), describing his comments as “indecent” and “unbecoming” of a former head of state.
Dr Bawumia’s criticism comes after the former president, John Mahama labeled certain CSOs and religious leaders as hypocrites for failing to criticize the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“However, when NPP members visit traditional leaders and pastors, the only response they receive is praise, endorsements, and further blessings for their supposed good work, rather than being told the truth about their poor governance. You want to win power with your useless government?” former President John Mahama said this when addressing the stakeholders at Alogbloshie, Accra on his campaign tour.
Mahama’s comments sparked widespread condemnation, with many Ghanaians expressing disappointment at his tone and language.
Speaking during his campaign in the Amasaman constituency on Monday, Dr Bawumia emphasized that such statements were inappropriate for someone who has held the office of president. He urged for more respectful discourse in the political arena, stressing that the December polls should be focused on ideas rather than insults.
“You all know that the December polls are between myself and former President Mahama, but we all know, and he also knows, that he will fail, so he gets peeved at the least thing,” Bawumia said.
He added “I have heard that today he insulted pastors, chiefs, imams, and CSOs, saying they are all hypocrites. Have you heard this before?”
The Presidential Candidate of NPP, Dr Bawumia’s comments are the latest in a growing chorus of criticism against Mahama’s recent outbursts.
Many Ghanaians have expressed concern that John Mahama’s language and tone are divisive and unbecoming of a former president.
Mahama’s attacks on traditional leaders are particularly significant, given his history of criticizing chiefs during his presidency.
In 2015, the former President, who is desperate for power, sparked controversy when he chastised traditional leaders for engaging in partisan politics.
However, his response highlights the importance of respecting traditional institutions and leaders, regardless of political differences.
“This election is about ideas, not insults,” Dr Bawumia emphasized. “We must have some standards of decency in the language we speak as politicians.”
-BY Daniel Bampoe