The Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team Hon. Nana Akomea has expressed his belief that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia holds the upper hand in the upcoming December 7 elections. He is confident that Dr. Bawumia’s message resonated more with the Ghanaian people and that the Vice President’s fresh perspective will lead to victory over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate John Dramani Mahama.

Nana Akomea highlighted the centrality of Dr. Bawumia’s message in the campaign, suggesting that it is more in tune with the needs and aspirations of the majority of Ghanaians. According to him, the 2024 elections will come down to “person to person,” and Bawumia’s message will carry the day. He is confident that at the end of the election, “the majority of Ghanaians will choose Dr. Bawumia.”

In a comparative analysis of the two candidates, Nana Akomea pointed out that Mahama, despite his experience, failed to live up to expectations during his tenure as President.

“His message is superior to John Mahama’s and also, he is not tested. He hasn’t been tested at the presidency.”
Hon. Nana Akomea the Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team

The Unfavorable Record of John Mahama

Nana Akomea contrasted Bawumia’s newness to the presidency with Mahama’s record, highlighting Mahama’s defeat in the 2016 elections. He stressed the fact that Mahama’s loss as a sitting president seeking re-election was unprecedented in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

“John Mahama, who’s been tested for four and a half years at the presidency, was rejected in 2016 as a sitting president seeking re-election and that’s the first time in this republic that a sitting president seeking re-election has been rejected.”
Hon. Nana Akomea the Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team

Nana Akomea’s view, this defeat marked a significant shift in Ghanaian political history and cast doubt on Mahama’s ability to win back the trust of the electorate. He noted; “It was the largest margin of any presidential loss between the two parties. “Nana Akomea attributed Mahama’s 2016 rejection to his performance as President, which he argued did not meet the expectations of Ghanaians.

“He’s been tested, he’s been tried, the performance did not meet the expectations of Ghanaians compared to Bawumia, who is not tested, has not been tried at the presidency. I think his message is also more compelling than John Mahama’s.”
Hon. Nana Akomea the Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team

Nana Akomea went on to praise Dr. Bawumia’s work ethic and energy throughout the campaign. He remarked on the Vice President’s determination to visit every constituency before election day, which he believes is a testament to Bawumia’s commitment to the people of Ghana. “Bawumia is determined to visit every constituency. It’s a very tall order, but he’s pushing himself.” Nana Akomea remarked that Dr. Bawumia had already toured about 110 constituencies, with the Central Region being the focus of his current campaign activities. Nana Akomea emphasized the importance of the Central Region in the upcoming elections, noting that Bawumia’s tour was highly strategic, involving key constituencies such as Twifo Mokwa, Himan, Lower Denkyira, and Mfantseman. “Today, Bawumia is in the Central Region. He’s doing three constituencies. So far, he’s toured about 110.”

Despite the challenge of visiting all the constituencies in the remaining days before the election, Nana Akomea remains confident that Bawumia’s vigor and determination will carry him through the rigorous campaign schedule.

“He still has about 80 days to the election. He has to cover the rest of the constituencies. It’s a tall order, but looking at his energy and the vigor that he’s brought to the campaign, I expect that he’ll be able to do all the constituencies.”
Hon. Nana Akomea the Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team

Encouraging Responses from the Grassroots

Nana Akomea also shared his personal experiences from being on the campaign trail with Bawumia, particularly in the Greater Accra Region. He spoke about the warm reception they received from the grassroots supporters. He reiterated; “When you look at the responses from where he’s been, you can see that the encouragement is also pushing him.”

Having witnessed the campaign firsthand, Nana Akomea pointed out specific constituencies such as Okaikoi South, Okaikoi North, and Okaikoi Central, where the team had received overwhelming support from the people. He described the excitement among the grassroots as palpable, especially in coastal areas like Nungua and Teshie, constituencies that hold significant electoral weight in the Greater Accra Region.

“I was with him last week when he was rounding up the Greater Accra constituencies… when I talk about the response from the grassroots, I’m talking as a live participant.”
Hon. Nana Akomea the Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team

Nana Akomea’s optimism about Dr. Bawumia’s chances in the December elections is evident. He believes that the Vice President’s compelling message, coupled with his vigorous campaign efforts, will win the hearts of the electorate. Nana Akomea also pointed to John Mahama’s previous failures as a significant factor that will work against the former President in his bid for re-election. Ultimately, Nana Akomea’s confidence in Bawumia’s victory stems from both the Vice President’s message and the support he has garnered from the grassroots.