Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has focused his campaign on his sacrifices and track record both in government and in opposition as his trump card delegates should rely on to vote him as New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer.
Having sacrificed his time, youth and expertise for the party since 2008 as well as serving diligently in the office of Vice-President since 2017, Dr Bawumia has built an impeccable track record in the administration and governance space that continues to draw huge commendations and acclamation from wide-ranging, personalities, organisations and agencies attesting to his competence, passion and commitment.
He wants delegates to choose a leader with the vision, innovative ideas and proven track record to continue moving the nation in the right direction.
The Vice-President is hopeful delegates will send a clear and unambiguous message of a united party which knows what it wants and who it wants to lead.
He noted that the choice delegates make this Saturday and on November 4, will impact not just the NPP but Ghana as a whole.
Dr Bawumia highlighted his unwavering commitment to the party, particularly during the 2012 general election petition.
Sacrifices
In times of difficulties, Dr. Bawumia has been there for the NPP, putting his reputation and political career on the line, as he did at the Supreme Court in 2013.
He pointed out that while others provided various excuses, he willingly stepped forward as a witness for the NPP during the election petition at the Supreme Court. He said he was aware of the potential consequences for his political career, but chose to put everything on the line for the sake of the party.
He further explained that numerous individuals were reluctant to jeopardize their political futures and cited travel plans as one of the excuses.
However, he stood firm in his conviction and believes that he is the ideal candidate to lead the party into 2024 general elections.
Projecting good works of Kufuor and Akufo-Addo administrations
He has been there for the NPP, projecting the good works of both the Kufuor regime and the Akufo-Addo Government, and campaigning vigorously for the party towards electoral victories.
Campaign messages for 2024
Some party members including some of the flagbearer aspirants are doubtful that the party can present convincing messages in 2024 due to current economic challenges.
However, Dr Bawumia rekindled the spirit of NPP supporters with a strong defence of the records of the Akufo-Addo government.
The Vice-President inspired party supporters to reject claims that the NPP has no message to convince the electorate ahead of the 2024 general elections.
3rd term possible
He is confident that the NPP has done enough to merit an unprecedented third consecutive term under the Fourth Republic.
Dr. Bawumia, asked the teeming supporters of the NPP not to allow anyone to mislead them that the party has no message because the party is far ahead of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in terms of achievements.
NPP built on patriotism, dedication, sacrifices
Wherever, he went, he acknowledged the selfless roles of members of the party from the polling station to the national executives and assured them of his commitment to recognise efforts of members at the grassroots when he becomes leader of the party.
He admonishes party members to remember that the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition was built on the patriotism, strategic thinking, actions, dedication, sacrifices and accomplishments of such great political icons.
He assured them of effective leadership capable of winning the 2024 election for the NPP.
Each constituency promised 10 appointments
In response to the common refrain by grassroots party members that they are often sidelined during the formation of governments after they help their parties to win power, the Vice-President has promised to allocate at least ten appointments to party members in each constituency when he becomes president.
Clean and respectful campaign
While the Vice-President was bombarded with innuendos by some of the aspirants and their supporters, he did not attack any of the aspirants, remained calm and urged all his supporters to keep to a clean and respectful campaign
Avoiding acrimony and respect for all aspirants
He expressed his stance on avoiding acrimony during the internal election since the nine other aspirants are from the same ancestral roots, which is the UP tradition.
Consequently, he instructed his followers and spokespersons to eschew verbal attacks directly and indirectly on other aspirants seeking to lead the party in the next general election.
Focus on unity within NPP to face NDC in 2024
Dr Bawumia stressed the need for unity within the party after the contest, as it would be essential to prevent NDC from regaining power.
Highlighting the unity among party members, he is hopeful that once the contest concludes, they would come together as a cohesive force to ensure the NDC does not regain power.
The Vice-President emphasized the importance of recognizing the NDC as the “main enemy” and urged all factions within the NPP to unite for the greater cause.
Economic development, job creation
He placed special emphasis on economic development, job creation, and infrastructural development promising to work tirelessly to bring about positive change across all sectors of the Ghanaian society.
