Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has voiced alarm over unsettling developments in the country, particularly the dismissal of public workers, and has called on President John Mahama to intervene.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Bawumia broke his silence, citing threats to Ghana’s democracy and the well-being of citizens.
“This statement is released against a personal vow I made since leaving office. I made a personal affirmation to allow our new President and his government to get the needed space to get a hold of things and settle down quickly to tackle the important business of governance and, by extension, nation-building.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
He emphasized that having served as Vice President for eight years, he understands the magnitude of the task at hand.
Therefore, he initially refrained from public commentary to allow the new government time to implement its vision for national development. However, he now feels compelled to speak up due to emerging concerns.
“Unfortunately, I need to speak up on recent developments that pose significant threats to our democracy. To look away whilst these ills persist is to abandon my responsibility to remind President Mahama and his government of the overriding duty to live by the democratic tenets envisioned in the 1992 Constitution and do justice and ‘right to all manner of persons.’”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia further expressed deep concern over what he described as a targeted purge of Ghanaians employed under the previous administration.
He noted that despite President Mahama’s party campaigning on the promise of job creation, his government has embarked on widespread dismissals, leaving many without livelihoods.
“Since assuming office, however, the government of President Mahama has pursued a series of actions targeting Ghanaians who were legitimately employed during the previous administration.
“It is ironic that a party that campaigned on the wings of jobs for all Ghanaians is arbitrarily dismissing the same Ghanaians, rendering them jobless, just because a different government employed them.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia expressed deep concern over the dismissal of public servants, emphasizing that individuals in such roles are meant to remain unaffected by political transitions.
He found it especially troubling that professionals who should be protected by the neutrality of their positions were being targeted.
In several cases, he observed that employees had lost their jobs solely due to their personal associations or family connections to politicians rather than any lack of competence or qualification.
Furthermore, he pointed to reports suggesting that the government is considering terminating the employment of individuals in essential sectors, including security personnel, nurses, and teachers, simply because they were hired under the previous administration.
He stressed that if such actions were carried out, it would be a regrettable and unfair development that could have serious implications for national stability and service delivery.
Concerns Over Rising Insecurity
In addition to the widespread job dismissals, the former Vice President voiced serious concerns about the growing insecurity in the country.
He highlighted alarming reports of journalists being targeted and harassed, raising fears about press freedom and the ability of the media to operate without intimidation.
Dr. Bawumia also pointed to instances where the military has allegedly conducted raids on the homes of former government officials, actions that he described as unsettling and reminiscent of authoritarian rule rather than a peaceful democratic transition.
Furthermore, he noted a disturbing rise in mob violence, where individuals and even state institutions have come under attack.
These developments, he warned, could undermine national stability and erode the democratic gains Ghana has made over the years if not addressed swiftly.
“The use of our military to raid the homes of former government officials and communities, as well as mobs attacking innocent individuals and state institutions, is rather reminiscent of a military takeover and not a peaceful democratic transition.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia warned that these acts threaten the stability of the nation, urging President Mahama to intervene before the situation escalates further.
Bawumia’s Call for Leadership and Reform
Accordingly, the former Vice President urged President Mahama to take decisive action to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions and restore fairness in governance.
He reminded the President that Ghanaians voted for change with the hope of moving forward, not repeating past mistakes.
“Ghanaians understood the promise of change to mean discarding the ills associated with the governance of our nation since 1992 and also an opportunity to show the way for future governments. There is no reset by repeating or escalating what may have happened in the past.”
Dr. Bawumia appealed to President Mahama to act as a leader for all Ghanaians by reversing unfair dismissals and fostering an inclusive government that upholds constitutional values.
“Therefore, I call on His Excellency President Mahama to be a president for all Ghanaians by putting a stop to these developments, reversing the unfair dismissals, and protecting all our citizens.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
In his final remarks, Dr. Bawumia urged all stakeholders to prioritize the strengthening of Ghana’s democracy.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to uphold democratic principles, protect state institutions, and ensure governance that serves the interests of all citizens.
Calling for national unity and responsible leadership, he stressed that Ghana has the potential to do better and must strive towards a more just and stable future.
As the situation unfolds, Ghanaians await President Mahama’s response, hoping for a resolution that will restore confidence in the country’s governance and democratic stability.
READ ALSO: Hamas Offers To Release All Hostages If Next Phase Of Ceasefire Agreed
