Dr. Ayew Afriyie, Middle Belt Campaign Coordinator for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed concern over what he sees as a deliberate attempt by some political figures, including members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to downplay the achievements of the former Vice President.
Dr. Afriyie described the behavior of critics as “weird,” emphasizing that it is “hypocritical and unfair” to Dr. Bawumia, who is widely considered a frontrunner in the upcoming 2026 NPP flagbearer race.
He was particularly troubled by the fact that some of the most severe criticisms were coming from within the party itself.
“If we, the NPP, admit that somehow, we disappointed Ghanaians, then we must as well collectively accept the blame and apologise to Ghanaians with the former president leading.”
Dr. Ayew Afriyie
The former Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee argued that Dr. Bawumia has become the main target of political attacks because he is the most probable candidate to win the NPP’s presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026.
According to Dr. Afriyie, many of the popular social intervention policies credited to the Akufo-Addo administration were conceived or strongly influenced by Dr. Bawumia.
These policies, he explained, helped improve the government’s standing among the Ghanaian populace.
He revealed that there were several decisions taken during the last administration that Dr. Bawumia strongly opposed because of their potential negative repercussions.
However, as Vice President, his role was limited to offering advice rather than making final decisions. “What could he have done as a vice president?” he questioned.
Remembering Bawumia’s Role In NPP’s 2016 Victory
Dr. Afriyie also took time to reflect on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s pivotal role in the 2016 electoral victory, a landmark moment that saw the New Patriotic Party (NPP) return to power after years in opposition.
According to him, Dr. Bawumia was not just a running mate during that period but the driving force behind the party’s strategy and messaging.
“The party people will never forget how he dedicated himself to the extent of sacrificing his job to ensure the NPP came to power. Was he not the same person who became the thorn in the flesh of the then-ruling NDC? They could not contain him. He was the hero then; what has happened, and I am asking his critics.”
Dr. Ayew Afriyie
According to Dr. Afriyie, Dr. Bawumia’s relentless dedication and strategic role in that campaign helped energize the party base and secure widespread support.
He suggested that today’s critics seem to have conveniently forgotten that contribution.
Despite the growing criticism, Dr. Afriyie said Dr. Bawumia remains committed to running a clean and decent campaign.
He stressed that the former Vice President is working closely with party members to incorporate their expectations into his broader vision for Ghana’s future.
Attacks Make Bawumia Stronger
Meanwhile, NPP communicator Dennis Miracles Aboagye also weighed in on the matter, stating that the ongoing attacks against Dr. Bawumia only serve to make him more resilient and determined.
“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia acknowledges the journey to victory isn’t going to be an easy one! There will be bruises and many, many scars.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
He emphasized that despite the many challenges and obstacles that lie ahead, Dr. Bawumia and his campaign team remain unwaveringly confident in their ability to achieve eventual success.
Their focus, he explained, is on staying resilient and determined, knowing that every setback they face will ultimately serve as a lesson and a source of strength.
He stressed that the journey will not be easy, but the team believes that their hard work, dedication, and vision for the country will lead them to victory. “But ultimately, there will be victory, and the scars will only be a reminder of the struggle we had to survive in order to get to the destination,” he said.
As the race for the NPP flagbearership intensifies, Dr. Bawumia’s campaign faces increased scrutiny and political maneuvering.
However, both Dr. Afriyie and Aboagye believe the former Vice President’s record, dedication, and vision will ultimately win the support of party delegates and Ghanaians at large.
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