OPINION: Dr Bawumia – NPP’s secret weapon for Election 2024
The down-to-earth persona of Bawumia, his captivating sense of humour and consistent religious tolerance, set him apart from his rivals for power
As a keen observer of politics, I have long understood the pivotal role a candidate’s calibre plays in shaping any party’s fortunes.
In the dynamic landscape of Ghanaian politics, where the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) vie for supremacy, the character of the candidate emerges as a decisive factor.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a transformative figure whose impact on Ghana’s political arena cannot be overstated. From his vantage point, he has steered the nation away from the mire of insults to a realm governed by data-driven discourse – a rarity in African politics.
His down-to-earth persona, coupled with a captivating sense of humour and unwavering religious tolerance, set him apart as a beacon of hope in Ghana’s political landscape.
The enigma of breaking the two-term cycle in Ghana’s political history has long confounded observers. Yet, Dr Bawumia’s inherent traits and calibre hold the promise of unravelling this mystery for the NPP.
Ghanaians, particularly the discerning floating voters, bestow their mandate upon leaders they perceive as capable and humble, a description that aptly fits Dr Bawumia.
Unlike some of his predecessors who succumbed to the pitfalls of arrogance, Dr Bawumia has a humility and respect for all segments of society which have earned him widespread acclaim. The contrast is stark when considering past instances where arrogance proved detrimental to political success.
For instance, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s perceived arrogance tarnished his image and hindered the NPP’s prospects in the 2008 and 2012 elections.
The same can be said of Victor Owusu’s ill-fated bid in the 1979 elections, where his perceived arrogance cost him dearly against the perceived humble and diplomatic Dr Hilla Limann.
In the annals of the NPP, or the Danquah-Dombo-Busia political history, the significance of a candidate’s character cannot be overstated.
Just as the former president John Kufuor’s leadership prowess propelled the NPP to victory in 2004, Dr Bawumia’s diplomatic finesse and commendable leadership style bode well for the party’s future electoral endeavours.
In sum, Dr Bawumia’s stature, persona and inherent qualities render him an indispensable asset to the NPP, potentially catalysing a paradigm shift in Ghanaian politics.
The writer is Nana Agyemang Prempeh, a political commentator and education advocate (charlesagyemangprempeh37@gmail.com)
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