In what looks like an attempt to stamp his authority as the new leader of the New Patriotic Party and its flagbearer for election 2024, the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has stated emphatically that he has his own distinct vision, and will be his own man in pursuing an agenda for propelling Ghana towards progress and prosperity.
Dr. Bawumia envisions a Ghana that stands as a beacon among nations, holding its rightful place on the global stage.
He emphasised that he would bring forth his unique ideas and strategies to advance the nation should he emerge President in the 2024 polls.
In his victory speech on Saturday, November 4, at the Accra Sports Stadium, following his declaration as the winner of the NPP’s presidential primaries, Dr Bawumia called on all to rally behind him in the pursuit of continued progress for the party and the nation.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have my own vision and my own priorities. Given the opportunity by you and the people of Ghana to lead, I shall govern as my own man with guidance from God almighty.”
“My vision is to build an inclusive food self-sufficient, data-driven and systems-based nation that will fully participate in the global digital revolution to resolve our problems and also usher in a golden age of benefits from our national resources,” he said.
Already, President Akufo-Addo has expressed his utmost confidence in Dr Bawumia to retain power for the New Patriotic Party.
The President said Dr Bawumia’s victory is a reward for his hard work to the party over the years.
Handing over the leadership the of party to Dr Bawumia at the Accra Sports Stadium, President Akufo-Addo said he is confident he can inflict a third successive defeat on the National Democratic Congress’ John Mahama at the polls.
President Akufo-Addo also said that the Vice President can unite the party with the support of all the contestants to ensure the NPP remains in power.
“Sixteen years of work in opposition and in government has been rewarded by the party with this leadership that has been confirmed upon him, and I am confident Dr Bawumia will be able to unite this party with the assistance of Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Addai-Nimoh, and all the other contestants and provide us the strong leadership to take on the NDC in 2024 and inflict a third successive defeat on John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
Certified results announced by a Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, Siriboe Quaicoe, revealed that Dr Bawumia polled 118210 votes representing 61.47% while his closest contender Mr Agyapong polled 71,996 votes representing 37.41%.
Dr. Afriyie Akoto who placed a distant third polled 1,459 votes representing 0.76% while Addai-Nimoh garnered a meagre 731 representing 0.41%.
A total of 192 446 delegates voted in Saturday’s presidential primary. The total valid votes were 193, 346 with 900 votes rejected. Turn out was 94.63%.
Kennedy Agyapong
Bawumia was predicted from the start to win the presidential primary but he, however, failed to meet the target of 80% set by members of his campaign team.
Several MPs and Ministers threw their support behind Dr Bawumia who is a popular figure within the NPP.
Dr Bawumia makes history by becoming the first non-Akan to lead the NPP into a general election after being the running mate to President Akufo-Addo since 2008.
The 2024 election is expected to be a close contest. Both Bawumia and Mahama are strong candidates, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses.
The outcome of the election will likely depend on several factors, including the state of the economy, the candidates’ campaigns, and the turnout of voters.
