Dr Alhaj Mahamudu Bawumia
Stunned by the NDC’s toxic political approach, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) has introduced and successfully shifted Ghana’s political discourse from personal attacks to issue-based debates. His public speeches are increasingly backed by a solid set of facts, a quality that many politicians, including John Mahama (JM), continue to struggle with.
Is it any surprise that JM, who feels inherently threatened by DMB’s brilliance—and has openly expressed disdain for issue-based politics—has reverted to the old, discredited tactics of insults and mediocrity? “Nkokɔ nkiti kiten?” (Is this where we are headed again?)
Ghana’s history, despite its challenges, reflects a strong sense of unity as a core part of our national identity. This unity is often observed in the way religious communities coexist harmoniously. Neighbouring countries, such as Nigeria, marvel at the sight of mosques and churches being built side by side, with their worship services often coinciding without any tension. Over the years, DMB has played a significant role in strengthening the bond between these religious faiths. Following his resounding victory as the presidential candidate, he exhibited unity and magnanimity by embracing even his fiercest rivals, such as Kennedy Agyapong. Kwabena Agyepong, the former presidential aspirant and senior aide to Dr Bawumia, once said, “Dr Bawumia is a man of character… He does not discriminate among people.”
In stark contrast, JM in 2016 wrongly accused then-candidate Akufo-Addo of persecuting chiefs who dared to criticize him. Now, in 2024, JM—who seems to believe the presidency is his birthright—has castigated religious and traditional leaders for simply offering their audience to the vice president during his visits to their towns. JM’s increasingly erratic public statements have shown a blatant disregard for dissent and disrespect for the judiciary.
It begs the question: after serving as president, what practical policies can JM now propose for Ghana’s development? In 2012, JM stated, “The reality is that nobody possesses a magic wand to create change and progress with a wish of abracadabra.” So, what can we expect from him now, especially considering his apparent desperation for power? Despite having had access to privileged information and opportunities as president, Mahama failed to offer practical and pragmatic solutions for Ghana’s development. Instead, we’ve been subjected to empty rhetoric about a “24-hour economy” and constant personal attacks on DMB.
On the other hand, DMB has presented a clear and coherent plan for the future of Ghana. His vision includes ensuring that the country fully benefits from the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Some of these plans are already in motion, such as the Ghana Card, Tap-and-Go system, GMX, and the recently introduced credit scoring system. The ordinary Ghanaian sees consistency, honesty, and a true commitment to progress in DMB’s actions, compared to the empty promises of JM.
The recent rejection of DMB’s call for a public debate by JM has left many Ghanaians appalled. This refusal has further cemented the perception that JM’s pursuit of the presidency is driven by selfish motives, rather than any meaningful desire to serve the people. For Ghanaians, DMB’s candidacy represents hope, vision, and the future of a prosperous nation.
Article submitted by Shareef Sulemana
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