Why NPP Delegates Should Vote for Dr. Bawumia in the 2028 Presidential Primaries

Introduction

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its crucial presidential primaries, delegates face a defining moment in Ghana’s political history. The decision made in this election will not only determine the party’s flagbearer but will also significantly influence Ghana’s future leadership at a critical juncture in our democratic journey. This open letter from Lawyer Iddi Muhayu-Deen presents compelling arguments for why Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia deserves your mandate as the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Key Points

Background

The NPP finds itself at a critical crossroads following the 2024 general elections. As delegates prepare to select the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections, it’s essential to examine the facts objectively and make decisions based on evidence rather than misinformation or political rhetoric. The upcoming primaries represent more than just an internal party matter—they will shape Ghana’s political landscape for years to come.

Analysis

Addressing False Narratives

One of the most persistent claims against Dr. Bawumia is that he was responsible for the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections. However, this assertion lacks factual basis and has been thoroughly debunked by multiple sources.

The NPP’s own internal assessments, particularly the Oquaye Election Review Report, explicitly ruled out the religion, ethnicity, or personal attributes of the flagbearer as reasons for the party’s defeat. Instead, the report identified several key factors: the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), the E-Levy, handling of illegal mining (galamsey), contentious social policy debates, neglect of grassroots structures (edidigya), perceived arrogance of some appointees, and the well-documented phenomenon of eight-year incumbency fatigue.

Independent research from Global Info Analytics and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)-International corroborates these findings. The evidence is clear: Dr. Bawumia did not lose the election for the NPP. In fact, over two million party supporters, including respected party elders, did not turn out to vote—a factor entirely beyond the candidate’s control.

The Economy and Digitalization

Another persistent claim is that Dr. Bawumia “ran away from the economy” and took shelter in digitalization. This narrative fundamentally misunderstands the constitutional structure of Ghana’s government and Dr. Bawumia’s actual role.

Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, economic management is driven by fiscal policy (led by the Ministry of Finance) and monetary policy (managed by the Bank of Ghana). The Constitution assigns no direct executive authority over either to the Office of the Vice President. The Economic Management Team (EMT), often chaired by the Vice President, has no constitutional or statutory basis—it’s merely a Cabinet sub-committee with advisory functions only.

President Akufo-Addo specifically tasked Dr. Bawumia with focusing on building data-driven systems and technologies to improve efficiency, service delivery, and financial inclusion. While the Finance Ministry focused on fiscal policies and the Bank of Ghana on monetary policies, Dr. Bawumia concentrated on digitalization.

His achievements in this area are remarkable and transformative:

– Digital Address System
– Ghana Card implementation
– Mobile Money Interoperability
– Paperless Ports
– Ghana.Gov platform
– Digitalization of passport services, DVLA, NHIA, ECG, and tax filing
– Digital health records and hospital systems
– Motor insurance and pharmacy databases
– Births and Deaths Registry reforms
– Zipline drone medical delivery services

These interventions have fundamentally transformed public service delivery and everyday life for millions of Ghanaians. Dr. Bawumia is arguably the only Vice President in Ghana’s history whose name is inseparably linked with the country’s digital transformation.

A Unifier in a Time of Division

Beyond competence and performance, Dr. Bawumia represents the best hope for uniting the New Patriotic Party. In the face of relentless attacks and provocation, he has maintained remarkable composure, respectfulness, and focus. He consistently refuses to return insults with insults or division with division.

Dr. Bawumia’s approach contrasts sharply with the divisive rhetoric of some opponents. While others preach exclusion and tribalism, he advocates inclusion. While some promote individualism, he emphasizes collectivism. Where others highlight religious differences, he champions religious tolerance. Where some threaten conflict, he emphasizes peace and unity.

His campaign message directly addresses the issues that contributed to the party’s recent electoral setback, including grassroots neglect and delegate welfare. His proposals, such as constituency-based appointments and welfare programs driven by digital solutions, demonstrate foresight, humility, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes.

The Verdict of History and Experience

Historical precedent provides valuable lessons for the NPP’s decision. No President in Ghana’s Fourth Republic has won on their first attempt, and incumbents have consistently handed over power to opposition candidates who contested them multiple times.

By every objective measure, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stands as the strongest and safest bet to lead the NPP into the 2028 elections. He is the most marketed, most prepared, most competent, most strategic, most visionary, most charismatic, most qualified, most educated, and most disciplined candidate. This isn’t about opinion—facts are sacred, and we cannot be entitled to our own set of facts.

Practical Advice for Delegates

As you prepare to cast your ballot, consider the following practical guidance:

1. **Focus on Evidence**: Base your decision on verifiable facts and performance records rather than emotional appeals or misinformation.

2. **Think Long-term**: Consider not just immediate party interests but Ghana’s long-term democratic stability and development.

3. **Assess Unity Potential**: Evaluate which candidate can best unite the party and appeal to a broad spectrum of Ghanaian voters.

4. **Consider Electoral Viability**: Examine which candidate has the best chance of defeating the opposition in the 2028 general elections.

5. **Value Experience**: Recognize that political perseverance and experience often translate into better governance outcomes.

6. **Look Beyond Personalities**: Focus on policies, vision, and competence rather than personal relationships or regional affiliations.

FAQ

Conclusion

Esteemed delegates, the choice before you is historic. You hold in your hands not only the future of the New Patriotic Party but a critical chapter in Ghana’s democratic story. This moment demands courage, clarity, and commitment to what best serves both the party and the nation.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia offers proven competence, a record of delivery, an unifying temperament, and a forward-looking vision capable of renewing hope within the party and confidence among Ghanaian voters. He represents continuity with reform, experience with humility, and creativity with unity.

As you cast your ballots, I respectfully urge you to vote not out of fear or misinformation, but out of conviction, evidence, and faith in the future we can build together. Vote Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia #3. Vote for Unity & Competence. Vote for victory in 2028.

Assalamu alaikum.

Yours in Service to Party and Country,

Lawyer Iddi Muhayu-Deen

muhayudeen2007@yahoo.com

ForGodAndCountry