Martin Amidu, the former Special Prosecutor, has emphasized that the President’s endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the best candidate to ensure Ghana’s safety and security must be supported by concrete evidence, not mere rhetoric.
He urged Dr. Bawumia to demonstrate his competence with tangible examples and directly engage the electorate.
Amidu added that the 2024 campaign offers the perfect platform for Bawumia to highlight his leadership, particularly how he safeguarded lives and property during the President’s absence.
“He swore twice on the Quaran, – on 7 January 2017 and 2021 respectively – inter alia that: ‘I dedicate myself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of Ghana and to do right to all manner of people,’ and now he seeks to be elected President himself and to take the same oath for the third time on 7 January 2025.
“The least Dr. Bawumia should do is to establish that in his almost eight years as Vice-President (including acting periods as President) he has done better in managing Ghana’s human security than former President John Mahama, who is contesting for the Presidency again, did as Vice President (including acting periods as President)”.
Martin Amidu
Amidu highlighted that since October 2024, violence in Bawku and the North East Region has claimed over 30 lives under Dr. Bawumia’s watch as Acting President.
He criticized the Vice President for remaining silent during the crisis while prioritizing his presidential campaign.
Amidu expressed disappointment that President Akufo-Addo had to return to impose a curfew.
He argued that voters deserve an explanation from Dr. Bawumia on why he stands out among the 12 candidates, including John Mahama, given his inaction on security issues during the President’s absence.
Amidu stated that amid the Bawku crisis, former President Kufuor praised Dr. Bawumia as Ghana’s ideal leader, highlighting his ability to “get along with everyone” despite being a Northerner.
He indicated that this remark is patronizing and dismissive of the ongoing violence and loss of lives in the region.
Bawumia’s Leadership Fails to Address Rising Conflict, Prejudices
Martin Amidu stated that under Dr. Bawumia’s watch as Acting President, the conflict is spreading to the Upper East, North East, and Northern Regions, reinforcing prejudiced views like Kufuor’s claim that Northerners don’t “get along,” except for Dr. Bawumia.
He suggested that the government may have deliberately fueled the Bawku conflict to destabilize the north for political gain in breaking the “eight.”
Amidu also noted that Kufuor’s exposed bias against Northerners may reflect his support for Akufo-Addo’s rhetoric, possibly to make up for his failure to secure the 2008 election for the NPP.
“The number of Presidential Candidates registered by the Electoral Commission to contest for the Presidency at the 7 December 2024 election is twelve and Dr. Bawumia holds the position of the sitting Vice-President and presidential candidate of the incumbent ruling NPP Government which is ending its tenure on 6 January 2025.
“The impending election just a few weeks away is, therefore, intended by the letter and spirit of the Constitution to once more provide the sovereign electorate the opportunity to take stock of the performance of the ruling government and to decide whether to vote to retain it in power or whom amongst the contesting candidates for President and Members of Parliament they will entrust their lives and welfare too, to be managed in accordance with the Constitution for the next four years”.
Martin Amidu
Amidu stated that the 1992 Constitution was designed to ensure security and peace, enabling citizens to choose their leaders.
He emphasized that the President and Vice-President are primarily responsible for maintaining internal security and ensuring a stable environment for elections.
Amidu stated that individual security is the foundation of a functioning society, not just technology and infrastructure, which Bawumia is currently promoting.
He expressed concern that the Bawku conflict has displaced many, preventing them from voting in the December 2024 elections, and highlighted that Dr. Bawumia, as part of the government, shares responsibility.
Amidu questioned whether free and fair elections could be held in Bawku, with concerns about a state of emergency and the Electoral Commission’s ability to operate.
He argued that if Dr. Bawumia failed to fulfill his oath as Acting President, the electorate deserves an explanation, suggesting that President Akufo-Addo may have covered for his shortcomings to secure votes. “Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the beneficiary of Nana Akufo-Addo’s machinations to ensure that he is succeeded by his Vice-President”.
Amidu also advised that Bawumia should stop relying on rhetoric and directly address his plans to tackle security issues.
He urged the Vice President to reject being used as a figurehead, as it undermines his identity and legacy as the son of Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia. “The ancestors are watching!”
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