The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has outlined several qualities he believes Ghana's next leadership must possess to propel the country forward to the next level.
Speaking at the NPP International Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the necessity of having a leader with vision and a proven track record to address the country's generational challenges. He declared that his leadership has demonstrated problem-solving capabilities through impactful policies he has championed as Vice President.
"Ghana needs problem solvers, generational thinkers, and individuals with innovative ideas," Dr. Bawumia said.
"I am a problem solver and a generational thinker with innovative ideas. I have a solid track record as Vice-President to prove it," he added.
Highlighting his impactful contributions as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia cited various policy initiatives he has spearheaded, addressing generational problems. These include the digital national identity system, the national property address system, mobile money interoperability, digitalization of public services to promote efficiency and reduce corruption, delivery of essential drugs to remote areas through drones, as well as other initiatives like One Ambulance One Constituency and Agenda 111 hospitals.
"I have not held the presidency before, but through my role as Vice President, I have demonstrated that I will be a hard-working President with the vision to tackle generational problems for sustainable development."
Drawing comparisons between himself and his main competitor, former President John Mahama, Dr. Bawumia asserted that based on his "track record, work ethics, and vision," he is a superior candidate to Mahama. He criticized Mahama's past performance, highlighting issues with corruption and economic challenges during Mahama's presidency.
"Former President Mahama has previously held the presidency, but what was his track record? He faced failures, particularly in tackling corruption and other challenges. Economically, the data shows that during the 4th Republic, Mahama's tenure was the weakest."
"John Mahama does not symbolize change because he has been in power as President and has faced rejection twice in 2016 and 2020. In contrast, I have not held the presidency before, and my record as Vice President speaks for itself. John Mahama represents the past, while I represent the next chapter and the future of our country.