For some political watchers and punters, the 2024 general election could be a make-or-break election. Not in the negative sense or as a threat to national security, but for political party organizations and political party leaders in the country.
While the 2024 general election holds as almost the last resort and last try for some, others are just beginning to shift gears in their political journey to the top. It’s not only dangerous as desperation could set in but has the potential to encourage political hooliganism through utterances.
As the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is confident of breaking the 8, the 2024 general election could be the last straw that breaks the camel back for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Not only does the outcome of the election if not favorable pose a grave danger for the party’s cohesion, as a possible disintegration lurks over growing factions in the party, but John Dramani Mahama, the former Vice President under late Professor Mills and substantive President between 2013-2016 could also bid an eternal farewell to any political office especially the Jubilee House for good and forever live with the tag as one term president under the 4th republican constitution.
As such, the flagbearer position of the two leading political parties NPP-NDC is a must-watch. While the NDC has presented the former president and two-time failed candidate John Mahama, the contest within the New Patriotic Party(NPP) is almost heating up. With leading figures campaigning and canvassing for votes, the pendulum seems to tilt in favor of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Although he’s yet to openly declare his intentions, his movements and actions speak louder.
At best, it could be deemed as just a matter of time before the Vice President officially declares his intentions. The internal party contest could see the likes of Kennedy Agyapong, Kwabena Agyepong, Alan Kyerematen, Afriyie Akoto, and many hopeful picking forms to contest for the vacant position.
But in all, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stands tall, he’s seen as the darling boy of the party, a possible flagbearer who could lead the party to break the 8-year cycle. The New Patriotic Party has a great asset in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Not only has he become the face of the party in the last 12 years or more, but he has also endeared himself to the people of Ghana. It’s not surprising therefore that he’s become the punching bag of the opposition. It’s because of the ‘anointing’ he carries.
In athletic competition, the target is not always the prize, but also the strongest opponent and that’s why Bawumia has come under strong scrutiny. As criticism of leaders is nothing new especially in elections, that of Bawumia will not be different. This could come from within and without. It’s therefore not surprising that Bawumia is the target going into the 2024 elections. He’s perhaps the light of the polls, both in internal party elections and external-general elections.
Plucked by President John Agyekum Kuffuor to serve as deputy governor at the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has never looked back and is on course to become the possible President of Ghana. Not only has he remained faithful to the NPP, but he has also been steadfast and loyal to his country-Ghana.
The current vice president has the capacity and capabilities to serve in the highest office of the land. He has proven to be worthy of it. He comes across as unassuming, but his depth of knowledge, his commitment to Ghana’s development, and his love for seeing Ghana rise to the occasion in the 21st century run deep and core to his being.
His humility, character, and integrity are something his opponents are willing to vouch for. His determination, drive, and commitment to worthy courses are in the public gallery. As a vice president of Ghana, he has been felt far and near by almost all Ghanaians through his work. He’s the most hardworking Vice President Ghana has had since 1992. His pursuit of change, his ability to see the impossibility become possible, his foresight for development, and his rising to the occasion have been admirable.
He has achieved a lot of development for the country through initiatives he has championed- the digitalization agenda. How long will it have taken to achieve the many innovations he has brought to Ghana? And who could have envisioned it, at such a low cost and short time if not Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia? This should only reveal the depth of the man who leads as the Second Gentleman of the land.
Bawumia’s patience and commitment to worthy courses are testaments to his persona. He never gives up on his convictions and even if it doesn’t work out at first, he tries again until he achieves it since he believes everything IS POSSIBLE. He’s a man of faith. Welcoming, affable, accepts all, and well accepted. It’s not surprising that even as a Muslim, he’s been on most Christian platforms and pulpits. He’s a man of an open mind. Watching him from a distance, you could see a man of passion, compassion, and love for everyone.
While his candidature would bode well for the NPP fortunes going into the 2024 elections, the choice of his running mate would be crucial in delivering a victory for the party. At this point, the Bawumia-Napo ticket is inevitable. Not because it’s the clarion call of many NPP supporters, but because it ticks many political boxes. It makes a lot of political sense to have the two illustrious gentlemen lead the Party to victory in 2024. They have proven to be worthy of trust.
The background of the now Energy Minister makes him a prime and well-positioned candidate for the Vice Presidential role. Not only will it befit him, but it also energizes the party base and the root of the NPP. It only makes sense that the now accepted ‘world bank’ of the NPP gets represented well.
And it will be a double bonus for the New Patriotic Party to have. The Second Gentleman of the land emanates from the house of the golden stool, the owner of Asanteman, the makers and shakers of the greatest kingdom in Western Africa. The selection of Napo will be the strongest message to the people of the Ashanti Region and pay for their loyalty to the party all these years when one of their own, a true son of the land ascends to the throne of the vice president. With age on his side, he holds great potential to ascend the ultimate throne of the land.
Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, a Royal from the Ashanti Kingdom and the current minister of energy will be a fine Vice President, not only because of his looks, but because of his depth in knowledge, competence, and the wisdom backing him. Serving as Education Minister during the first term of the Akufo-Addo-led government, he led a gallant team that birthed the policy that has touched every household in the country-Free SHS. Serving in such uncharted waters and delivering a policy of that magnitude within the shortest possible time could only be accomplished by a man of courage, valor, and competence.
It was therefore not surprising that he was rewarded with another big but challenging Ministry, but as known by great leaders, they are not afraid to face challenges. After almost three years of being at the helm of the Energy Ministry, his imprint can be felt. Not only has he managed the energy sector creditably, but he has also solved many challenges that pose as threats to the sector. Ensuring stable power supply, and working cordially with the technical people, they are on course to serve the country by keeping the lights on. Even in the face of economic challenges, Ghanaians have been fairly served on the Energy front. While other countries are having fuel shortages, the story of Ghana is different and it’s a result of the leadership of the Energy Minister-Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
The Bawumia-Napo ticket also satisfies and perhaps adds to not only Party cohesion but also country harmony. Ghana has since independence produced Christian leaders, or at least leaders from the largest religious sect of the country. With Ghana boasting of about 70 percent Christian majority country, and having lived in harmony and in peace with other religious groups for the past six decades after independence, it’s perhaps prim and proper to deepen this cohesion and inclusiveness.
Dr. Bawumia, a prime and well-positioned candidate for the NPP fits the bill to deliver this novelty in the country. As has become his trademark with innovations and solving problems with modern and current ideas and technologies, breaking the 8 with his background will be refreshing. This will not be the first in the world for someone in a minority sect to lead their country as many African countries and some across the globe have their leader from the minority religious sect in their country. But it will deepen Ghana’s standing as the bastion of democracy in Africa, a land of peaceful coexistence.
In their prime, they have exhibited competence in diverse portfolios. They have proven to be knowledgeable, courageous, and willing to learn new things that are beneficial to their country. They have proven to be quick learners, good with people, and liked by many who acquaint them. Their character and integrity remain intact, they can easily boast of trustworthiness. They are not tainted, have lived a life of service and lead lives worth emulating.
If the future belongs to the youth, then the Bawumia-Napo ticket is the best bet for the 2024 election. Not only does it represent the largely youthful population, it sets out a clear vision for a future where the youth can believe in a thriving country, built on a working system; a clear paradigm shift from the old and usual politics of brick and mortar.
This article was first published on April 13, 2024.
By: Kwaku Opoku-Dame
