The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Abdulai Mahami Shariga, has encouraged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to visit Bawku and play a role in reconciling various factions embroiled in the long-standing dispute.
Bawku has grappled with conflicts over the years, significantly impacting economic activities and various aspects of community life.
During Dr. Bawumia’s recent visit to the Nayiri, following his election as the NPP flagbearer, the Nayiri emphasized the importance of the Vice President extending his efforts to Bawku. The Nayiri conferred a Chieftaincy title on the Vice President under the name ‘Bigangna’, which means the one who does not discriminate.
The Nayiri said having come to know the unifying traits of Dr. Bawumia, he was optimistic the Vice President would, if elected, be a President for all who will not discriminate, hence the title. The Nayiri explained that the title is befitting of the Vice President due to the unifying traits he has demonstrated as a leader for all, regardless of religion and ethnic group, and urged him to continue to bring people together.
In response, Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to the Nayiri and his elders for their prayers and encouragement, adding that he will continue to preach unity and be for all.
“If elected, in shaa Allah, I will be a president for all; for Fantes, for Ashantis, for Ewes, for Kusasis, for Frafra’s, for Konkombas, and all other tribes in Ghana. We are one people.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The Nayiri urged Dr. Bawumia not to delay his visit to Bawku, urging him to engage with stakeholders, including chiefs, in a concerted effort to foster peace and unity. The Overlord specifically called upon the Vice President to utilize his unifying leadership qualities to bring together factions entrenched in the longstanding Bawku conflict.
As president, the Nayiri stressed, Dr. Bawumia will have the responsibility of uniting Ghana and mediating many disputes. He, therefore, urged him not to hesitate to visit chiefs and people of all parts of Ghana and try to encourage peace amongst all the factions, since unity is his trait.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by NPP National Chairman Stephen Ntim, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor, Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, and numerous MPs from both the Northern and Southern regions of the country.
Battle For Running Mate Continues
Meanwhile, in response to media reports suggesting that he is actively seeking to be selected as the running mate for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 general elections, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has refuted these claims. The Member of Parliament for the Suame constituency clarified that these reports are unfounded and urged the public to disregard them.
When Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, reiterated these claims in Parliament on Thursday, November 23, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu categorically rejected any such notions. He emphasized that he is not engaged in a campaign to secure the position of Dr. Bawumia’s running mate and dispelled any speculations regarding his involvement in such activities.
“Mr Speaker, let me state that there is no contest for running mate and I’m not involved in campaigning for the running mate position, it should be loud and clear.”
Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu
He urged MPs of the National Democratic Congress to abstain from indulging in speculation and, instead, focus on debating the 2024 budget statement. Dr. Bawumia clinched the flagbearer position for the ruling New Patriotic Party presidential primaries on Saturday, November 4, with an impressive outcome of over 61% of the total valid votes.
Following this, numerous Majority MPs and other party bigwigs are reported to have expressed interest in the running mate position.
READ ALSO: Speaker Defends Ghana’s Sovereign Against IMF Pressures
