Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has paid an emotional tribute to Hajia Mariama Bawumia, the late mother of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

He eulogised Bawumia’s mother during the 40 days’ prayer and recitation of the Holy Qur’an for her in line with Islamic tradition at Kperiga, in Walewale in the North East Region.

The occasion was graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osumanu Sharubutu, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of political parties and members of the diplomatic corps among others.

Asantehene’s glowing tribute, which was personally signed by him, described Hajia Mariama Bawumia as a matriarch, and also eulogised the Bawumias for the immense impact the family has made on Ghanaian politics, which the Asantehene said, will be felt for generations.

“As we idolise and eulogise great men and great leaders, we so often fail to acknowledge the role of the faithful woman behind the mounding of their mettle. But truly it is that behind every great man is the hand and the heart of a faithful and devoted woman. And to a few women that goes even greater honour of becoming the matriarch from whose impact on Ghanaian politics will be felt for generations.

The Late Hajia Mariama Bawumia

On that roll of honour belongs Hajia Mariama Bawumia,” the Asantehene wrote.

“She not only was the steady heart behind one of the titans of politics in the North during the most tumultuous periods of Ghana’s history, her guidance and tutelage has produced a family whose impact on Ghanaian politics will be felt for generations,” the Asantehene added, referring to the impact Dr. Bawumia’s father made on Ghanaian politics.

Narrowing his gaze on Vice President Bawumia, Otumfuo Osei Tutu praised the late Hajia Mariama Bawumia for “her guidance and tutelage which produced a son who today occupies the second highest position in the land, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic.”

Rounding up his tribute, the Asantehene expressed sadness that Hajia Mariama Bawumia won’t be around to see what the future holds for Dr. Bawumia.

“How sad that she will not be around to see what the future holds for her son, but indeed the matriarch can depart in response to the call of her maker creator in the knowledge that she has impacted upon her nation as few ever would in their lives and above all, that the nation will continue to enjoy the fruits of her endeavours for many generations to come.