Ghana’s former Vice President and the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 general election, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was received with a thunderous applause at the party’s annual national conference held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Thousands of party delegates, enthusiastic party members and supporters erupted in cheers, chants, and waving of party colours as Dr Bawumia arrived at the venue, visibly energising the crowd.
The highly elated NPP faithful in voices of unison shouted ‘still maintain,’ ‘no change’, ‘Bawumia is our man for 2028’ as the party’s 2024 presidential candidate was ushered into the stadium.
The atmosphere at the conference venue was electric, with Dr. Bawumia’s entrance, briefly halting proceedings as the party faithful stood to their feet, clapping and singing patriotic songs.
Clad in NPP colours and accompanied by key party officials, the former vice president acknowledged the massive show of support with waves and smiles, as party youth groups and regional delegations competed to outdo each other in expressing their excitement.
Similar gleeful sentiments were expressed when Dr Bawumia was introduced by the NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye to give a brief message to party delegates.
The 2025 conference, which brought together the party’s rank and file, served as a crucial platform for reaffirming unity.
The conference took far-reaching decisions including some amendments to the party’s constitution.
There were 54 amendments out the 56 proposed, giving among others, the opportunity for former Members of Parliament (MPs); former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs); former ministers of state; former constituency, regional and national officers to be part of the electoral college will vote to choose the party’s presidential candidate and its executives at all levels.
Emotional speech
Dr Bawumia stirred emotions in delivering a solidarity message to stakeholders of the party from all levels.
He expressed his “mixed feelings’ to the delegates, wishing that he was addressing the delegates ”under different circumstances. ”
“It is with mixed feelings that I welcome you all to this national delegates’ conference.
”It is a joy to see the representation of our party from across the country converge once again for conference. I however would have wished that we would have been doing this under different circumstances”, Dr Bawumia stressed. Despite his mixed feelings clearly reflecting the unfortunate defeat of the NPP in the 2024 elections, the former vice president also expressed strong optimism for the future.
He rallied members of the party to embrace the party’s rebuilding move with unity at all levels, and look forward to another opportunity to serve the nation.
“Yet still I am filled with hope, that as we reflect and reorganise, we will soon be given the opportunity once again by our countrymen and women to serve and assist in rebuilding and transforming our nation.
“The task ahead of us, is one that we have to conduct with diligence and measure. In times like this, we should be focused on strengthening our bonds of unity and reinvesting in the ties that bind us. Our foundation and our strength have always been in building a united party,” Dr Bawumia stated.
‘Ghanaians must see the lessons learnt’
Former Vice President Bawumia noted that it was extremely important for Ghanaians to genuinely see lessons the NPP has learnt, as it reorganises the party for the future.
According to him, the real objective of the party’s reorganisation is not only to be able to win elections, but also to be better placed to deliver better governance to the people.
“We must be consistent in pursuance of our effort to address not just the challenges within but more importantly the challenges that bedevil our motherland.
“We have also learned useful lessons in how to improve some things in the future. We must remain resolute and consistent in doing the right things again and in applying the lessons the next time.
“We must ensure that Ghanaians genuinely see the lessons we have learnt and are willing to apply next time round. We shouldn’t be shy about them. It is then that our fellow country men and women will give us another opportunity to serve,” the former Vice President added.
Ups and downs in governance
Dr. Bawumia has explained that in governance, there are ups and downs and the NPP has experienced both, under both Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo.
He has however remained optimistic that their ”monumental” achievements will “stand the test of time.”
‘Stop internal attacks and focus on the ills of the NDC’
Former Vice President Bawumia has urged members of the NPP to curb incessant internal attacks on members of the party, and rather focus their attention on the ills of the governing NDC, which he said, is undermining the country’s democracy.
He bemoaned the increasing internal attacks, which he said, often characterises the party whenever it is about to choose its leaders, and hands over arsenal to the NPP’s main. opponent.
“An army that wants to win a battle must exercise discipline within its ranks.
“Too often when we are yet to choose leaders, indiscipline, unacceptable language and unpardonable behavior become the order of the day. In the end when internal competitions are over, the attacks we would have launched on ourselves become the fodder and ammunition with which our opponents will attack us.
“We experienced it in the 2024 campaign, and we should not let it happen again a second time. That is why I call on all kukrudites to Stop the internal attacks now,” Dr Bawumia reiterated.
He reiterated his call on party leadership and faithful to channel their energy to expose the governing NDC on their many acts, which he condemned.
“Let us rather focus on the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and rule of law in trying to remove the Chief Justice! Let us focus on their clear intention to go after the Electoral Commissioner subsequently!
“Let us focus on the violence and thuggery their hoodlums carried out in the recent Ablekuma election in the full view of the police and cameras.
“I again call on the President to bring the perpetrators to book and to remind them that the elephant never forgets! No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029 insha Allah.”
“To the leadership of the party, I ask that you be firm and crack the whip so that discipline is maintained within our ranks. It is with discipline, humility, lessons learnt and pursuit of the common good for Ghana that we can become the refreshed party we desire,” Dr Bawumia concluded.
