Dr. Bawumia, flanked dutifully by Sylvester Tetteh.
Ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer election, notable supporters of former Trade and Industry Minister Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremanten are expressing confidence in Vice President Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia’s ability and aptitude to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Conversely, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has received extensive support from a significant number of traditional and religious leaders, who endorse his future ambitions and kindly seek prayers on his behalf.
The NPP legislators after a roundtable meeting threw their weight behind the Vice President as the next most appropriate person to succeed Nana Akufo-Addo and lead the party into the 2024 general election.
Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, reported that in his most recent count, there were approximately 118 legislators, including himself.”I can personally attest to my support for Bawumia, and I am aware that over 100 NPP MPs also endorse Bawumia,” he stated.
The support for the former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten, seemed to be diminishing and weakening as key members of his team withdrew their interest in his fourth attempt to lead the party.
Notably, former Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frederick Opare-Ansah, who previously held crucial roles in the Alan campaign structure, is among those who have withdrawn their support.
He said; “It is crucial to put an end to certain NPP members’ endeavours to defame the Vice President under the pretext of racial discord. The Vice President, a dedicated individual, has actively contributed to the party’s success as a running mate in several elections, playing a pivotal role in securing two significant victories. Those engaging in such actions should cease their activities, as the Vice President has consistently demonstrated diligence and has refrained from denigrating any of his potential competitors.”
Equally to weigh in on the most contentious issue of ‘Aduro Woso’ loosely translated as it’s your turn ahead of the contest is former Road Minister, Dr Winfred Richard-Anane.
“I find it perplexing that some individuals are asserting their entitlement to lead the NPP party,” he expressed.
“What truly matters is competence and a proven track record of accomplishments. Delegates should place their trust in candidates who can demonstrate their ability to deliver, rather than relying solely on empty claims,” he deflated Alan’s campaign tagline
Kenwuud Nuworsu, a prominent member of Alan’s campaign, who previously served as the Volta Regional Chairman, has taken on a crucial role in driving the campaign of Dr Akoto Osei, the former Kwadaso MP and Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Delegates and dedicated party members at all levels are forming support groups in favour of Bawumia. The fervent rush to align themselves with the perceived frontrunner is remarkable and noteworthy.
Dr Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe, a prominent and influential figure within the defunct Kufour camp, has also endorsed and affirmed the unquestionable certainty of Bawumia assuming the role of the party’s flagbearer.
While I personally would have chosen Alan Kyerematen, it is important to note that he failed to take prompt action when it was needed. In my view, this disqualifies him as a candidate.
Instead of staying silent, he should have displayed the courage to speak up against any wrongdoing. Even if the government did not agree with him, he should have had the initiative to resign. This absence of a resignation culture raises doubts about his capacity to be a resolute and principled leader. These sentiments were expressed with a sense of disapproval.
A chunk number of young individuals who were previously actively mobilizing their peers in support of Alan were noticeably absent during the recent ‘Aduro Woso walk’ health walk in Accra.
Conspicuously missing at the event, was the two-term campaign coordinator for Alan, Kofi Dzamesi.
It is quite peculiar to witness individuals who were known for their support of Alan Kyeremanten now disassociating themselves and switching camps.
Mohammed Amin Adam, who serves as Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, and Frank Annoh Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip, both formerly proponents of the Alan for president campaign in 2007, have now switched sides to join the Vice President’s “it’s possible” campaign.
This ongoing cold war may be linked to the disapproval of how the longest-serving Trade Minister has conducted himself and his associations with individuals seen as his proteges.
A renowned election predictor Ben Ephson has foreclosed overwhelming victory for Bawumia at the primaries election.
Despite the declining support, there are still sightings of former Kwadaso MP, SK Nuamah, former Manyhia North MP, Collins Owusu Amankwah, former MP for Evale Dwira, Catherine Afeku, and a few others who have had disagreements with President Akufo-Addo, rallying around Alan Kyeremanten in public spaces.
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