In a historic turn of events, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 general elections. Dr. Bawumia’s victory is not only significant for the NPP but also marks a pivotal moment in Ghanaian politics, shattering long-standing perceptions of the NPP as an “Akan party.”
The NPP made history on Saturday, November 4, 2023, by electing Dr. Bawumia as the first non-Akan leader to lead the party into a general election since its founding in 1992. In a closely contested race, he secured an impressive 61.47% of the votes, defeating three other prominent candidates, including Kennedy Agyapong, Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
The certified results announced by the Director of Election of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, revealed that Dr. Bawumia garnered 118,210 votes, with his closest contender, Mr. Agyapong, receiving 71,996 votes.
In his address to party members at the Accra Sports Stadium, Dr. Bawumia expressed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support since 2008, underlining the President’s confidence in his leadership abilities throughout the years.
Dr. Bawumia addressed long-standing doubts about the NPP being an inclusive party, emphasizing that the party’s core values are rooted in rewarding hard work and dedication. He stated, “In the NPP, we do not care about where you hail from. We are tolerant of Ghana’s religious diversity. We elect those deserving of leadership, those capable of governing, and those with proven traits of integrity, incorruptibility, and hard work.”
Furthermore, he extended a warm invitation to various communities and regions within Ghana, reaffirming that the NPP has a place for everyone. He encouraged the people of Ga Mashie, Zongos, Volta and Oti Regions, the North, and even the Akans, expressing his gratitude for the diverse support he received across different regions of Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia also recounted his journey in politics, highlighting the challenges he faced when trying to convince communities that the NPP was truly inclusive and welcoming to all Ghanaians, regardless of their tribe or religion. He stressed that his perseverance had paid off, as the NPP had made significant inroads into various regions, including the North, Zongos, and the Volta Region.
With his resounding victory and the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity, Dr. Bawumia’s nomination as the party’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections marks a significant step toward a more diverse and harmonious political landscape in Ghana. He pledged to work diligently to justify the trust and support of the NPP’s diverse membership.
Dr. Bawumia’s nomination as the NPP’s flagbearer sends a powerful message of unity, diversity, and inclusivity in Ghanaian politics, dispelling the notion that the party is confined to one particular ethnic or regional group. The upcoming 2024 general elections promise to be a defining moment in the country’s political history, with Dr. Bawumia leading the charge for the NPP.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
