Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has criticised former President John Dramani Mahama for his recent comments targeting religious leaders, chiefs, and civil society organisations (CSOs).
Mr. Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer, had accused these groups of failing to hold the current administration accountable.
Speaking at a campaign event in the Amasaman Constituency in Accra yesterday, Dr. Bawumia, who is the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s flagbearer, suggested that Mr. Mahama’s outburst was a sign of frustration with his own campaign’s progress.
He accused ex-President Mahama of resorting to insults and personal attacks due to lack of a clear message for his campaign.
He questioned whether it was appropriate for a former President to label respected figures such as chiefs, imams, and other religious leaders as hypocrites.
“When you have no message, you resort to insults,” Dr. Bawumia said. “Mahama has nothing to offer Ghanaians, so he’s attacking respected figures and institutions.”
Dr. Bawumia referenced Mr. Mahama’s past insults towards the Electoral Commission and his recent description of the NPP government as “foolish”.
He questioned whether such language was fitting for a former President, saying, “Is this the kind of language that should be coming out of the mouth of a former President of his kind?”
He emphasised the need for politicians to maintain a level of decorum in their speech, stating, “We must have at least some standard of decency in the language we speak as politicians.”
The NPP presidential candidate again threw down the gauntlet, challenging former President John Mahama to a one-on-one debate on their respective government’s achievements.
Dr. Bawumia touted the NPP’s accomplishments, saying, “We have bold solutions to problems. We have created more jobs, built more roads, interchanges, bridges, factories, schools, hospitals, court houses, sanitation facilities, astro turfs, sports facilities, and fibre optic cables than the previous government.”
He noted that the NPP has outperformed Mahama’s administration in every sector of the economy, saying, “We have done better than you, and yet you call us a foolish government.”
Dr. Bawumia’s comments were met with spontaneous cheers from the crowd, as he dared Mahama to come forward and debate their track records, saying, “If you believe you are competent enough and your achievements are impressive, come forward and let’s have a one-on-one debate.”
The Vice President claimed that former President Mahama is hesitant to engage in a debate because he knows his (Bawumia) arguments are backed by data.
“I speak with data, and that’s what he’s afraid of,” Dr. Bawumia asserted.
Looking ahead to the future, Dr. Bawumia outlined several initiatives aimed at boosting job creation and economic growth. “We have exciting plans to help Ghanaians, particularly the youth,” he said.
He announced a slew of innovative policies aimed at improving the lives of Ghanaians, including free tertiary education for persons with disabilities; streamlined passport application process for Ghana Card holders, eliminating form-filling; extended drivers’ licence validity from six years to 10 years, and renewal period from two years to five years.
According to him, these policies aim at enhancing accessibility, convenience, and affordability for citizens, particularly those with disabilities.
He asserted that the NPP’s pro-people agenda prioritises inclusivity, efficiency, and economic empowerment, aligning with the party’s vision for a better Ghana.
Endorsements
The NPP presidential candidate garnered widespread support for his presidential bid during a stakeholders’ meeting at the ICGC’s Grace Temple.
Prominent leaders including pastors, imams, chiefs, and representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs) praised Dr. Bawumia’s exceptional performance as Vice President and endorsed his candidacy.
Founder of Banner Chapel International, Apostle Samuel Kwaku Frimpong, was among the first to express his support.
He shared a personal testimony, highlighting how his two children benefited from the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy introduced by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
The endorsers emphasised Dr. Bawumia’s track record, leadership, and commitment to Ghana’s progress, urging citizens to vote for him to continue the NPP’s development agenda.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent