Lawyer and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, Hamza Suhuyini, has argued that while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia remains the most suitable figure to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP), his leadership qualities fall short when measured against the demands of governing Ghana.
Mr. Suhuyini acknowledged the strengths of the former Vice President, noting that his calm disposition, composure, and ability to unite his party make him the obvious frontrunner in the upcoming flagbearer contest.
“In all honesty, Dr. Bawumia stands tall. His temperament is good, not unduly aggressive, calm and collected. His focus on the bigger picture of providing leadership within the New Patriotic Party is commendable. I do not doubt that at the end of the day the delegates are likely to give their mandate to him”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communications Team Member
However, the NDC communicator stressed that Bawumia’s suitability ends within the confines of the NPP, cautioning that his national record is a different matter altogether. He challenged Dr. Bawumia’s credibility in handling Ghana’s economy, arguing that the experience of his vice presidency leaves little room for confidence.
“I have seen his track record, and sometimes I ask myself what exactly Dr. Bawumia wants to come and do. He could not manage the economy as Vice President. When it comes to leading his party, he stands tall – but it is not Dr. Bawumia who would secure them the presidency”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communications Team Member
Mr. Suhuyini further contrasted today’s political climate with Ghana’s past, recalling that even when Muslim leaders like Aliu Mahama contested, they refrained from exploiting religion or tribal identity for electoral gain.
“You cannot help but blame Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for where we are,” he said, stressing that by promising to bring the Muslim caucus to the NPP, Dr. Bawumia had long opened the door for religious campaigning.
According to him, the current accusations of religious and tribal politics against him are rooted in the very strategy the NPP flagbearer himself once adopted. “If you promised to bring the Muslim caucus to the NPP, then you can’t later accuse others of religious politics,” he added.
NPP’s Greatest Challenge
The NPP is scheduled to elect its next flagbearer on January 31, 2026, with Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong and Bryan Acheampong among the leading contenders. Mr. Suhuyini suggested that, despite their internal battles, the NPP’s greatest problem lies not with the choice of candidate or with their grassroot problems.
“The NPP’s number one challenge is their current crop of national executives,” he said, insisting that unless the party addresses what he described as institutional weaknesses and poor party structure, it would struggle to regain its footing as a competitive political force.
Meanwhile, Miracles Aboagye, an aide to Dr. Bawumia, has pushed back against such criticisms. He maintained that the former Vice President represents the party’s strongest chance of reclaiming power in the 2028 general elections.
According to him, Dr. Bawumia’s performance in the 2024 polls secured the NPP a stronger electoral base than any first-time aspirant could offer. Mr. Aboagye dismissed claims of weak national credibility, describing Bawumia as the party’s best option.
Mr. Suhuyini, however, stood firm on his assessment that while the former Vice President remains unifying within his party, his leadership does not extend to the national stage. He described him as “best for the party, not the country.”
He reiterated that the economic record under his watch continues to cast doubt on his promises of change, adding that the current NDC government would continue to remind Ghanaians of the failures tied to his stewardship, while they right all the wrongs, and endear themselves to the people more and more.
As the NPP moves closer to its primaries, the debate over who should lead the party has intensified, but questions remain over whether internal strengths translate into broader national acceptance.
For the NDC, Dr. Bawumia may command loyalty among NPP delegates, but he has yet to convince Ghanaians that he can steer the country forward.
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