Bawumia’s Call for National Cohesion: Rejecting Political Retribution in Ghana’s Challenging Times

In a pivotal address following a contentious election period, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Vice President, has issued a profound and urgent appeal for national unity. Speaking at the NPP’s Annual Thanksgiving Service, Bawumia cautioned against the rising tide of political retribution and score-settling, arguing that Ghana’s current social and economic pressures demand a different kind of leadership—one rooted in reconciliation, humility, and a commitment to the common good. His message transcends partisan politics, framing national cohesion as a non-negotiable prerequisite for navigating the country’s difficulties. This article delves into the core of Bawumia’s plea, its context within Ghana’s democratic journey, and the practical pathways he suggests for moving forward as a unified nation.

Introduction: A Plea for Temperance in Tense Times

The period following any election in a vibrant democracy like Ghana is often a mix of celebration, reflection, and tension. With the 2024 general election having concluded, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture. Dr. Bawumia’s speech directly addresses the palpable social and economic strain experienced by many Ghanaians. Against this backdrop, he explicitly stated: “This is not the time for retribution, intimidation or the settling of political scores.” His central thesis is that weaponizing political victory for vengeance would be a catastrophic mistake, undermining the very foundation of Ghanaian democracy and exacerbating the hardships of ordinary citizens. This introduction sets the stage for understanding why his call for political cohesion is not merely a rhetorical nicety but a strategic imperative for national survival and progress.

Key Points: The Core of Bawumia’s Message

Dr. Bawumia’s address was concise but powerful, built on several foundational pillars. These key points outline the actionable philosophy he promotes for Ghana’s next phase of governance.

1. Rejection of Political Vengeance

The primary and most emphatic point is a categorical rejection of political retribution. Bawumia defines this as any attempt by a newly empowered political group to punish, intimidate, or marginalize opponents from the previous administration or rival parties. He argues that such actions are antithetical to democratic maturity and national interest.

2. Prioritizing National Healing Over Partisan Passion

He introduces a crucial hierarchy: national brotherly love must supersede partisan passion. The nation’s collective well-being and social fabric are presented as more valuable than the temporary triumph or ego of any single political party. The goal is to “heal the nation” and “lower the temperature” of political discourse.

3. Governance as Humble Service, Not Power Display

Bawumia redefines governance, framing it not as an opportunity for reward or retribution but as “challenging work” demanding specific virtues: humility, patience, and a willingness to listen. He calls for leadership that “places the country before comfort and duty before ego,” emphasizing a servant-leader model.

4. Ensuring Inclusivity and Safety for All Citizens

A core promise of his vision is a government that reassures every Ghanaian—”regardless of how they voted”—that they are “safe, respected and valued.” This speaks directly to fears of exclusion or persecution that often follow electoral turnovers in divided societies.

Background: The Context of Bawumia’s Appeal

To fully grasp the weight of this speech, one must understand the landscape in which it was delivered. Bawumia’s call is not made in a vacuum but is a response to specific historical and contemporary pressures on Ghana.

Ghana’s Recent Political and Economic Climate

The speech acknowledges that “Ghana has been through a lot” and its people are under “intense social and financial pressure.” This refers to a confluence of factors: the lingering economic challenges requiring difficult IMF-backed reforms, global economic headwinds, and the natural polarization that intensifies during election seasons. The 2024 election campaign was notably heated, with sharp rhetoric from all sides, creating a post-election environment ripe for tension.

A History of Peaceful Transitions and Current Risks

Ghana has a proud history of peaceful democratic transitions, a benchmark in West Africa. However, this stability is not automatic. Bawumia’s warning implicitly recognizes the risk that each election cycle poses to this legacy. The pattern of “political score-settling”—where incoming administrations investigate or prosecute outgoing officials—has been observed in various democracies worldwide, often leading to instability, a cycle of revenge, and a diversion from substantive policy issues. His speech is a preventative measure against this pattern taking root in Ghana.

Analysis: Deconstructing the “Weaponization of Democracy”

Bawumia’s most potent phrase is the warning that “democracy loses its meaning when it is weaponised for vengeance.” This section analyzes the profound implications of this statement.

The Democratic Principle vs. The Democratic Tool

At its best, democracy is a system for peaceful conflict resolution, power alternation, and the protection of rights. When “weaponized,” democracy’s mechanisms—elections, legislative majorities, prosecutorial powers—become tools not for public service but for punishing opponents. This transforms politics from a collaborative (though competitive) endeavor into a zero-sum war. The consequence is the erosion of institutional trust, as state institutions are perceived as partisan instruments rather than neutral arbiters.

Economic and Social Costs of Retribution

Beyond the moral argument, Bawumia makes a pragmatic case. A government preoccupied with settling scores diverts critical time, energy, and resources from addressing the pressing economic issues he mentions. Policy continuity in key sectors like economic management, infrastructure, and social services suffers. Furthermore, an atmosphere of fear and persecution drives away talent, discourages private investment (both local and foreign), and stifles the open debate necessary for innovation and growth. The social cost is fractured communities and entrenched animosity that can take generations to heal.

The “Ghana is Bigger Than Any Party” Doctrine

This nationalist refrain is central to Ghanaian political rhetoric. Bawumia revitalizes it by linking it directly to the conduct of political actors. It asserts that the nation-state, with its shared history, destiny, and geographic integrity, is the ultimate sovereign entity. Political parties are temporary associations within that larger framework. Therefore, actions that weaken the nation for partisan gain are the highest form of disloyalty. This doctrine serves as a constitutional and moral check on the excesses of partisan power.

Practical Advice: Pathways to a United Governance

Bawumia’s speech is a diagnosis and a prescription. What would a government following his advice actually do? Here are the practical steps implied by his rhetoric.

For the Incoming Government and its Appointees

• Conduct a “Cooling-Off” Period: Immediately after inauguration, refrain from any actions perceived as punitive. Announce a clear policy of focusing on forward-looking governance.
• Pursue Policy Continuity: Identify and continue essential national programs (e.g., in health, education, macro-economic stability) that are not inherently partisan but serve the public interest.
• Inclusive Appointments: Ensure key state institutions (the civil service, security agencies, judiciary, state-owned enterprises) are staffed based on merit and a commitment to national service, not political loyalty.
• Public Communication of Unity: Use presidential and ministerial addresses to consistently message inclusivity, respect for all citizens, and a focus on shared challenges.

For Political Parties and the Opposition

• Constructive Oversight: The opposition should monitor and critique government policy rigorously but avoid inflammatory rhetoric that suggests the government is illegitimate or an occupying force.
• Resist the “Persecution Narrative”: Avoid amplifying every administrative decision (like a contract review or audit) as political victimization unless clear, evidence-based proof exists.
• Engage on National Issues: Lead public discourse on the economy, education, and healthcare, not on historical grievances or score-settling.

For Civil Society, Media, and Citizens

• Hold Leaders to the Standard: Praise inclusive actions and criticize any hint of retribution, regardless of which party is in power.
• Promote Dialogue: Support community-level initiatives that foster inter-party and inter-ethnic dialogue.
• Demand Evidence-Based Governance: Insist that policy debates be grounded in data and national development goals, not partisan folklore.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions on Political Retribution

Q1: Isn’t holding past officials accountable for corruption a form of “political score-settling”?

A: No, there is a critical distinction. Accountability is the impartial application of the law to specific, proven acts of corruption or malfeasance, following due process. Retribution is the broad-based persecution of political opponents, often using vague charges or selective enforcement to punish affiliation rather than specific crimes. Bawumia’s plea is against the latter. A government can and should fight corruption without it appearing as a partisan witch-hunt. Transparency, consistency, and letting independent judicial bodies lead are key to maintaining legitimacy.

Q2: How can a government “heal” if the previous administration’s policies caused so much harm?

A: Healing does not mean ignoring harm or forgoing corrective policies. It means implementing those corrections in a way that does not demonize a segment of the population. A government can reverse a harmful policy through new legislation or executive action while simultaneously explaining the rationale for the change based on national interest, not blame. The focus should be on the future benefits of the new policy, not on vilifying its architects. This approach builds broader coalitions for sustainable reform.

Q3: Is this just a call for the opposition to be quiet?

A: Absolutely not. Bawumia is speaking primarily to those who hold power. A healthy democracy requires a vocal, vigilant, and constructive opposition. His message is that the governing party must create an environment where the opposition can perform its constitutional role without fear of reprisal. The opposition’s role is to offer alternatives and scrutinize, not to obstruct for its own sake or incite instability. Both sides have responsibilities: the government to govern inclusively, the opposition to oppose responsibly.

Conclusion: The High Stakes of National Character

Dr. Bawumia’s speech at the NPP Thanksgiving Service is more than a political statement; it is a reflection on the character of Ghanaian democracy. He presents a clear choice: a path of immature, vengeful politics that will deepen divisions and stall development, or a path of mature, servant leadership that prioritizes national cohesion and tackles the real, tangible problems facing Ghanaians. His invocation of humility, patience, and listening as core governance virtues is a direct challenge to the culture of political arrogance and triumphalism. The success or failure of the next administration will be measured not just by economic indicators, but by its ability to make all citizens—NPP, NDC, CPP, and independent—feel that Ghana is indeed their nation, and that they have a stake in its future. The time for political score-settling is a luxury Ghana cannot afford. The time for healing and inclusive nation-building is now.

Sources

• Speech by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Annual Thanksgiving Service. Accra, Ghana. February 2024. (Primary source text referenced in original article).
• Electoral Commission of Ghana. (2024). 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Election Results. Official publication.
• Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. (1992). Chapter on The Directive Principles of State Policy and The Establishment of the Independent Commission for Democratic Governance.
• International IDEA. (2023). Ghana: Democracy in a Changing World. Stockholm: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. (Provides context on Ghana’s democratic trends and challenges).
• World Bank Group. (2024). Ghana Economic Update: Navigating a Challenging Transition. Washington, D.C. (Context on economic pressures referenced by Bawumia).