Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been heavily tipped by New Patriotic Party (NPP) gurus and grassroots supporters to win the flagbearer slot of the governing party and lead the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition to its five victory in general elections in the fourth republic.
Dr. Bawumia filed his nomination on Friday as a contestant for the NPP’s top leadership position and announced that the governing party was on track for victory in the 2024 polls.
NPP faithful across the country are confident the Vice President will secure both the party’s nomination and the presidency with his extensive experience, unwavering loyalty, and compelling vision for Ghana’s future.
Addressing party supporters, Dr. Bawumia said the filing of his nomination was a crucial step in the governing party’s quest to secure another term in power.
“I have just filed my nomination forms to contest as flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party for the 2024 Presidential Elections. I believe this is the first step to our victory in 2024, by the Grace of God.
“I am offering myself, in all humility, to contest in the primaries of this phenomenal party, the great New Patriotic Party, to become our flagbearer, and presidential candidate for election 2024 and Insha Allah, the President of the Republic of Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia stated confidently.
Genuine love
There was genuine love for the Vice President as thousands of NPP supporters besieged the national headquarters of the party at Asylum Down in Accra to solidarise with him.
Wearing party T-shirts with pictures of Dr. Bawumia and the inscription “It Is Possible”, and other party paraphernalia, the NPP faithful comprising both the young and old danced to loud music on the streets at the precinct of the NPP national headquarters.
Loyalty to NPP
Addressing issues about his loyalty and dedication to the party, Bawumia emphasised his long history of working for the NPP and Ghana as a whole.
He said he has consistently defended and supported the NPP, showcasing an unwavering commitment to the party and the country.
“Over the last 22 years, I have worked hard with you for the NPP and for Ghana from during the Kufuor era as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, through our years in opposition and now in government. During this period, I have sacrificed for the party, I have defended the party in good times and in challenging times, I have never wavered nor slacked. Never! and I have built a solid track record of performance as Vice President and unflinching loyalty to our party and government through rain or shine,” he declared.
Akufo-Addo’s record defended
Vice President Bawumia defended what he described as enviable record of President Nana Akufo-Addo-led government in all sectors of the economy.
“Notwithstanding the economic challenges of our time, our government has constructed more infrastructure than any other government in the fourth republic”, Dr. Bawumia told ecstatic party supporters.
The Akufo-Addo government, he added, has also introduced “many transformational policies for the first time in our history, including the Ghanacard, Digital Address, Mobile Money Interoperability, Delivery of medicines by drones; One District, One Factory; Planting for Food and Jobs, Zongo Development Fund, Agenda 111, Free TVET and Free SHS to mention a few. We have also created 2.1 million jobs in six years, more than any government in the fourth republic”.
Unfinished business
Notwithstanding the solid foundation laid and massive achievements, Vice President Bawumia acknowledged there was still much to be done to fully transform Ghana’s economy and place it on the path of sustained growth.
He has therefore urged party supporters to work hard to break the cycle of NPP and National Democratic Congress (NDC) winning general elections for eight years and losing power thereafter.
Dr. Bawumia stressed the importance of not reverting to the past, further urging members of the party to break the eight-year cycle.
“Having implemented these transformational policy initiatives, it is very important that we don’t go backwards as a country. We cannot put the country back in the hands of people who don’t have an understanding of and belief in the vision. That is why it important for us to break the eight. There is still much more to do”, he emphasised.
Vice President Bawumia declared confidently that “It is possible to break the eight, in order to continue with the transformational policies, we have started. It is possible!”
Dr. Bawumia has accordingly set the tone for NPP’s campaign, demonstrating his determination to lead the governing party to victory in the 2024 general election.
Vision for Ghana
Vice President Bawumia highlighted his experience in both private and public sectors, including serving in various roles under former President John Agyekum Kufuor as Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana and as Vice President to President Nana Akufo-Addo.
He however emphasised that he has his own vision for Ghana and wants to see the country progress to the next level.
The vision, Dr. Bawumia outlined, includes transforming healthcare, education, and public service delivery through digital technology and artificial intelligence for inclusive growth of the country.
“I also have my own vision for Ghana. I believe that it is time to move Ghana to the next level by building on the foundations we have put in place so far.
“Together with you, I want to see a Ghana where we leverage technology, data and systems for inclusive economic growth. I want to make Ghana the digital hub of Africa. I want us to bridge the digital divide and apply digital technology and artificial intelligence for the transformation of healthcare, education, and public service delivery amongst others”, Dr. Bawumia added.
He reiterated his determination to build on the foundations laid in the country and make Ghana the digital hub of Africa.
Dr. Bawumia also expressed his desire to support the poor, boost local businesses, and build industries for economic growth.
