Bawumia outperformed Kufuor in first election, can lead NPP to achievement – Oppong Nkrumah – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a bold statement that has reignited debate within Ghana’s political landscape, Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has declared that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia outperformed former President John Agyekum Kufuor in his first presidential election. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen program, Oppong Nkrumah positioned Bawumia as the most formidable flagbearer candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and argued that, with the right strategy and unity, the party can return to power.

This claim challenges long-standing narratives about electoral viability and leadership potential within the NPP. By drawing a direct comparison between Bawumia’s 2024 performance and Kufuor’s early political struggles, Oppong Nkrumah aims to shift the conversation from past defeats to future possibilities. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the statement, contextualizing it within Ghana’s political history and examining its implications for the NPP’s roadmap to 2028.

Key Points

Background

Kufuor’s Early Political Struggles

John Agyekum Kufuor, who served as Ghana’s president from 2001 to 2009, did not have a smooth path to power. Before his victory in 2000, Kufuor contested the NPP’s presidential primaries in 1996 and lost to Prof. Albert Adu Boahen. Despite this defeat, Kufuor remained a central figure in the party and was re-nominated as the flagbearer in 2000, going on to win the general election with over 50% of the vote.

His journey is often cited as a testament to resilience and strategic patience in Ghanaian politics. Oppong Nkrumah’s reference to Kufuor’s comeback is not merely anecdotal—it is a deliberate invocation of a proven political narrative within the NPP.

Bawumia’s Political Journey

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, an economist by training and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, served as Vice President under Nana Akufo-Addo from 2017 to 2025. Despite the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election, Bawumia has maintained a strong public presence and is widely regarded as a leading contender for the party’s 2028 flagbearership.

His performance in the 2024 election, while not victorious, reportedly exceeded expectations in several key demographics and regions, particularly among urban voters and the youth—segments that are increasingly influential in Ghanaian politics.

The 2024 Election Context

The 2024 Ghanaian general election was marked by significant economic challenges, including high inflation, currency depreciation, and public debt concerns. The NPP government, led by President Akufo-Addo, faced widespread criticism over its handling of the economy, which many analysts believed contributed to its defeat.

Despite these headwinds, Bawumia, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate and de facto campaign manager, was credited by many supporters with maintaining the party’s electoral base and even expanding it in certain areas.

Analysis

Comparing Bawumia and Kufuor’s First Elections

Oppong Nkrumah’s assertion that Bawumia outperformed Kufuor in his first election requires careful contextualization. Kufuor’s first presidential run as the NPP flagbearer was in 1996, where he lost to Jerry John Rawlings of the NDC. In that election, the NPP won approximately 39.6% of the vote. In contrast, in 2024, the NPP, with Bawumia as vice-presidential candidate, secured around 47.3% of the vote.

While direct comparisons are complicated by differences in electoral dynamics, voter turnout, and political climate, the data supports Oppong Nkrumah’s claim that Bawumia’s performance was stronger in relative terms. However, it is important to note that Bawumia was not the top of the ticket in 2024, which complicates the comparison.

The Significance of the Comparison

By invoking Kufuor’s story, Oppong Nkrumah is doing more than just citing statistics—he is appealing to the NPP’s collective memory and identity. Kufuor’s eventual victory in 2000 is seen as a triumph of perseverance and strategic rebranding. The parallel suggests that Bawumia, too, could lead the party to a comeback if given the opportunity and support.

This narrative is particularly powerful because it frames Bawumia not as a defeated candidate, but as a leader-in-waiting whose time has not yet come. It also serves to counter internal party criticism and质疑 about his leadership capabilities.

Internal NPP Dynamics and Succession Planning

The NPP, like many political parties, is navigating a period of generational transition. With Akufo-Addo constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, the party is actively debating its future leadership. Bawumia is one of several prominent figures in the mix, alongside others such as Alan Kyerematen and Dr. Afenyo-Markin.

Oppong Nkrumah’s statement can be seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate support for Bawumia ahead of the party’s internal elections. By positioning him as the most viable candidate based on past performance and leadership qualities, the MP is attempting to shape the narrative in Bawumia’s favor.

Economic Credentials and Policy Continuity

One of Bawumia’s strongest assets is his economic expertise. As a former central banker and academic, he is often seen as a technocrat with a deep understanding of macroeconomic policy. In a country where economic management is a key voter concern, this background could be a significant advantage.

Oppong Nkrumah’s endorsement implicitly emphasizes this strength, suggesting that Bawumia’s leadership could restore economic stability and growth—key issues that contributed to the NPP’s 2024 defeat.

Practical Advice

For the NPP: Building a Path to 2028

To capitalize on the momentum generated by statements like Oppong Nkrumah’s, the NPP should consider the following strategies:

1. Unify the Party: Internal divisions must be addressed through inclusive dialogue and consensus-building. A united party is essential for electoral success.
2. Invest in Grassroots Mobilization: Rebuild the party’s presence at the constituency level, particularly in rural areas where support may have waned.
3. Leverage Bawumia’s Strengths: Position Bawumia as a policy-driven leader who can restore economic confidence while maintaining the party’s core values.
4. Engage the Youth: Develop targeted outreach programs to connect with young voters, who are increasingly influential in Ghanaian elections.
5. Learn from 2024: Conduct a thorough post-mortem of the 2024 campaign to identify weaknesses and improve future strategies.

For Bawumia: Strengthening His Candidacy

Dr. Bawumia can take several steps to solidify his position as the NPP’s leading candidate:

• Enhance Public Visibility: Increase engagement with the media and public forums to maintain relevance.
• Clarify Policy Positions: Articulate a clear and compelling vision for Ghana’s future, particularly on economic reform.
• Build Alliances: Foster relationships with key party elders and regional leaders to broaden his support base.
• Address Criticism: Proactively respond to concerns about his leadership style and decision-making.

For Voters: Making Informed Choices

Citizens should critically evaluate all candidates based on their track records, policy proposals, and leadership qualities. While historical comparisons can be informative, the focus should remain on who can best address current and future challenges.

FAQ

Conclusion

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah’s assertion that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia outperformed John Kufuor in his first election is more than a statistical claim—it is a strategic narrative aimed at reshaping the NPP’s future. By drawing parallels between two pivotal figures in the party’s history, Oppong Nkrumah is advocating for continuity, renewal, and confidence in Bawumia’s leadership.

While the road to 2028 will be challenging, the comparison serves as a reminder that political fortunes can change. Kufuor’s journey from defeat to presidency offers a powerful precedent. Whether Bawumia can replicate or exceed that success will depend on his ability to unite the party, articulate a compelling vision, and respond to the evolving needs of the Ghanaian electorate.

For now, the conversation has shifted. Instead of focusing solely on past losses, the NPP is beginning to imagine a future led by Bawumia—one where economic recovery, good governance, and national unity are not just promises, but achievable goals.