New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the Atwima Kwanwoma constituency in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Kofi Amankwah-Manu, has described former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the most formidable and experienced person who should lead the party into the 2028 general election.
The MP, who was also a former Deputy Minister for Defense, mounted a spirited defense of Dr Bawumia in what appears to be a direct response to growing internal attacks on the party’s 2024 presidential candidate.
His remarks followed recent incendiary comments by the MP for Asante Akim South, Mr Kwaku Asante-Boateng, who labelled Dr Bawumia an “alien and a stranger” to the NPP, triggering a swift response from the party leadership.
Mr Asante-Boateng had suggested that the former Vice-President did not deserve to ascend to the highest position in the party, arguing that he was brought in to serve and should not seek further elevation.
However, Mr Amankwah-Manu condemned the comment, questioning the sudden shift in attitude among some senior members of the party who, he recalled, once celebrated Dr Bawumia as an indispensable asset.
“I find it very hypocritical that just months ago, Dr Bawumia was a demigod. All five contestants, all of them, saw the good things in Dr Bawumia, so what changed?” he queried.
The lawmaker emphasised that the party’s defeat in the last general election should not be used as a basis to vilify the former Vice-President.
He noted that electoral losses had been part of Ghana’s political history and should not diminish the contributions of loyal party stalwarts.
“We went for an election and lost, is that something we have never seen before? And so suddenly, Dr Bawumia has become evil, the biggest Satan we have ever seen on the face of the earth? I cannot accept that,” he stated strongly.
He reminded party members of Dr Bawumia’s pivotal role in the NPP’s electoral victories and governance, stressing that it would be unjustifiably dishonest to downplay his sacrifices and commitment.
NPP condemns attacks
Meanwhile, the NPP leadership, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr Justin Kodua Frimpong, distanced itself from the remarks, describing them as “unfortunate” and inconsistent with the party’s values.
“The Party disassociates itself from those remarks,” the statement said, reaffirming the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity, equal opportunity, and national unity.
The statement emphasised that political membership and elevation in the party were based on loyalty, dedication, and service, not identity or background.
Since joining the NPP ticket in 2008, Dr Bawumia has risen to become one of the most influential figures in the party’s modern history. As Vice-President, he spearheaded the government’s digital transformation agenda and led initiatives aimed at enhancing financial inclusion.
His prominent role in the 2012 election petition and his contributions to the NPP’s electoral victories in 2016 and 2020 cemented his position as a key architect of the party’s recent successes.
Although he lost the 2024 presidential election, analysts argue that his influence within the NPP remains highly significant.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia continues to command the overwhelming support of NPP voters who backed him in the 2024 general election.
They still prefer him to lead the NPP into the next general election, and he is highly tipped to win the party’s presidential primary on 31st January, 2025.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan
