In a rare moment of candour, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, publicly acknowledged the failures of the NPP-led government during a diaspora engagement in London.
The occasion, organised by the Young Executive Forum (YEF) of the NPP, formed part of his ongoing Thank You Tour following the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to an audience of Ghanaian professionals and party faithful in the United Kingdom, Dr Bawumia conceded that while the NPP government had made notable strides in areas such as digital transformation, infrastructure, health and education, it had not met expectations in every instance.
“We are not perfect,” he declared, adding, “but we are listening, and we are learning.” His remarks were met with a spontaneous standing ovation — a response that reflected both the crowd’s appreciation of his honesty and their continued faith in his leadership.
This address marks a significant shift in tone from a man often praised for his technocratic competence but criticised for defending contentious policies during his tenure as Vice President under President Nana Akufo-Addo.
In the lead-up to the 2024 polls, Bawumia’s candid reflections seem intended to reconnect with disillusioned sections of the party’s base and Ghanaians abroad, many of whom have voiced concerns over issues such as economic mismanagement, public debt, and perceptions of governmental arrogance.
The Young Executive Forum, a prominent wing of the NPP comprising young professionals in the diaspora, lauded Dr Bawumia’s humility.
Several members who spoke after the event described the apology as a refreshing departure from the usual political rhetoric.
Dr Bawumia used the platform not only to reflect on past governance but also to cast a vision for the future.
He reiterated his belief in building “a Ghana beyond aid,” a mantra that has featured prominently in his public addresses.
While admitting that challenges persist, he encouraged members of the diaspora to remain engaged and supportive, assuring them that lessons from the past would guide the party’s renewed focus moving forward.
The London engagement is one of several stops on his Thank You Tour, which aims to galvanise support among Ghanaians abroad, a constituency increasingly seen as influential in shaping political discourse and remittance-driven development back home.
Apology
Dr. Bawumia, openly admitted the shortcomings of his party’s administration, offering an apology to Ghanaians while calling for a renewed mandate in the upcoming 2028 general elections.
He struck a tone of humility and realism, conceding that while the NPP had chalked up significant achievements in government, it had also faltered in some areas.
He went further to frame the 2028 elections as a pivotal moment not only for the NPP but for Ghana’s political future.
Drawing lessons from the country’s electoral history, he emphasized the challenges that first-time presidential candidates typically face.
“Our political history shows that it is usually difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win in Ghana. President Kufuor lost in 1996 before winning in 2000. Mills returned after 2004 and finally won in 2008. I understand what I’m up against, but I am optimistic,” Bawumia noted.
Lessons
He reflected on the 2012 general elections—when the untimely death of then-President John Atta Mills altered the political landscape.
The NPP, he recalled, was caught off guard by the sudden elevation of John Mahama as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, which changed the tone of the campaign.
“The NDC turned the campaign into a national mourning period. They played funeral songs and angelic tributes. We couldn’t attack them without seeming insensitive,” Bawumia recalled, drawing laughter and nods from the crowd.
