In the intricate pursuit of “Breaking the Eight,” unity emerges as a crucial element interweaving the tapestry of progress and development for both the NPP and Ghana. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has received commendation for his unifying leadership style, a quality deemed essential for fostering both party cohesion and national advancement.
Known for his consistent ability and willingness to engage with diverse groups, Bawumia has been dubbed “Christian in the day and Muslim at night” by some, albeit in a critiquing manner, highlighting his inclusive approach. Many have also praised his dedication to initiating, nurturing, and prospering amicable relationships across various segments of the country.
Bawumia’s campaign, thus far primarily focused on the North, has sought to project his identity as a unifying candidate.
The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Abdulai Mahami Shariga, has urged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also the 2024 flagbearer of the NPP, to extend his efforts by visiting Bawku and playing a role in reconciling factions entangled in a longstanding dispute.
In recognition of Dr. Bawumia’s unifying qualities, the Nayiri conferred upon him a Chieftaincy title, ‘Bigangna,’ signifying the one who does not discriminate. The Nayiri expressed confidence that, if elected, Dr. Bawumia would be a “President for All”, emphasizing the title’s appropriateness.
The Nayiri highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s demonstrated unifying leadership across religious and ethnic lines, urging him to persist in bringing people together. In response, Dr. Bawumia thanked the Nayiri and elders for their prayers and encouragement, committing to continue advocating for unity and serving all segments of the population.
“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
In like manner, Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the NPP, lauded Dr. Bawumia as a “Unity Chief in Gonja”, emphasizing that unity is not just a political strategy but a prerequisite for national development. Ahiagbah’s commendation came on the heels of an extraordinary event during the 25th anniversary of the Annual Benkade Kurubi Festival, where Dr. Bawumia was enskinned as ‘Benkelemasa,’ meaning the one who unites, by Chief Masaba Fanyinama III of the Wangara community.
Chief Fanyinama, in recognizing Dr. Bawumia’s positive character as a unifier, highlighted the Vice President’s ability to reach out to diverse groups, exemplifying tolerance and promoting unity. This acknowledgment resonates not only within the party but also across religious lines, as Dr. Bawumia, a Muslim, actively participates in and even chairs various Christian functions, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity.
Congratulating Dr. Bawumia on his election as the NPP flagbearer, Chief Fanyinama also underscored the significance of the Vice President’s love for unity, honesty, humility, respect for all, and hard work. The enskinment was seen as a testament to Dr. Bawumia’s impact on both the party and the nation, offering hope to many that hard work does indeed yield positive results.
In response, Dr. Bawumia again expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, pledging not to deviate from his established principles of being a leader for all. His call for the strengthening of peace and unity carried a broader message, urging Ghanaians to resist attempts to sow division along tribal or religious lines for political gain.
These events of enskinment align with a major reason raised by Dr. Bawumia’s supporters in the flagbearer race. His supporters insisted that his candidacy repositioned the party as a more united party, firmly rooting their argument the mythological Danqauh-Busia-Dombo tradition.
Having elected a Muslim flagbearer for the first time in the 4th Republic, the party hopes to present him as a unifying force to the entire nation.
However, amidst these medals of “Unity Chief”, criticisms have been directed at Dr. Bawumia’s role in economic management. Critics, including former President John Dramani Mahama, have accused him of mismanaging the economy as the head of the Economic Management Team (EMT). Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, came to Dr. Bawumia’s defence, emphasizing that the Vice President plays an advisory role, and the ultimate responsibility lies with the President. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu reiterated that the buck stops with the President, highlighting the need to avoid divisive politicking with the economy.
In addition, Professor Gyampo has warned Dr. Bawumia to be cautious on over-emphasizing his association with every faction in society.
“There is a serious trust deficit in the society. There are many things that he himself said he was going to do for Ghanaians that he has not been able to do them. The president himself says we brought him to fix the economy.
“He must focus on rebuilding…and for him to also appreciate that one of the things he should is to be himself. He is a Muslim so what? Ghanaians will decide not based on religion. So over fraternization with Christian engagements deepens the trust deficit.”
Professor Ransford Yaw Gyampo
He urged the Vice president to tone down as such overtures may be misconceived as a mere vote getting mechanism that may deepen the trust deficit.
Dr. Bawumia’s unifying leadership is positioned as a vital asset for the NPP’s internal cohesion and Ghana’s national development. The call for unity is not only a political strategy but a fundamental element for progress and prosperity. However, for the trust-lacking candidate even in his party, this could be the only tool left in his toolbox in the 2024 Polls.
Political watchers are high in suspense about how Dr. Bawumia’s ability to bridge divides and build bridges across diverse communities could be the catalyst for his win.
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