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Bawumia Faces Recent Questions Over Consistency, Electoral Common Sense, and Financial Silence

Publication Date: 2026-01-19 | Source: Life Pulse Daily (Adapted)

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its pivotal 2024 presidential primaries, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 flagbearer, finds himself at the center of intense scrutiny. A political historian and analyst, Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has raised critical questions regarding the Vice President’s political consistency, electoral logic, and his current campaign’s financial silence.

This analysis delves into the core arguments presented by Prof. Adu-Gyamfi, exploring the contradictions between Dr. Bawumia’s past economic rhetoric and his current political posture, the reliability of identity-based voting blocs, and the strategic implications for the NPP ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Introduction

The political landscape in Ghana is often defined by shifting alliances, evolving narratives, and the rigorous scrutiny of public records. In the lead-up to the NPP’s internal elections scheduled for January 31, the focus has sharpened on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Once hailed as the economic engine of the NPP, his current campaign faces a barrage of questions concerning his historical stance on fiscal discipline and his electoral viability.

Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, a respected voice in political history, recently addressed the press in Kumasi, articulating a concern that resonates with many political observers: the erosion of credibility through shifting standards. According to Prof. Adu-Gyamfi, democratic resilience is built on consistency, not convenience. As Dr. Bawumia seeks to secure the NPP flagbearership for the second time, the electorate is left to evaluate whether his current positions align with the principles that defined his rise within the party.

Key Points

Background

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s political journey within the New Patriotic Party has been unique. Originally positioned as the running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo in 2012, he was instrumental in the party’s economic critique during the opposition years. His background as an economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana gave his criticisms significant weight.

During the 2016 elections, the NPP’s campaign was anchored on the “Economy” and “Jobs.” Bawumia was the face of that economic critique, dismantling the NDC’s management of the macroeconomic environment. Consequently, when the NPP assumed office, expectations were high that Dr. Bawumia would oversee a dramatic turnaround.

However, the economic realities of the last few years, including inflation, currency depreciation, and debt restructuring, have complicated the narrative. As the NPP prepares for the January 31 primaries, five key aspirants are vying for the flagbearer position: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. With voter registration validation complete, the stage is set for a contest that will define the party’s future.

Analysis

Prof. Adu-Gyamfi’s critique offers a pedagogical framework for understanding political accountability. Let us break down the core analytical components.

The Concept of Political Consistency

Democracy thrives on predictability. When a political actor champions specific standards—such as fiscal prudence—and then remains silent when those standards are perceived to be breached, a “credibility gap” emerges. Prof. Adu-Gyamfi argues that circumstances change, but the explanation for changing standards must be transparent. Without this, the public perceives “goalpost movement,” which undermines trust.

Identity Politics vs. Developmental Politics

The reliance on ethnic or regional voting blocs (Zongo, Northern, Muslim) is a common strategy in Ghanaian politics. However, Prof. Adu-Gyamfi suggests that this assumption may be flawed. The “Northern Candidate” narrative assumes a monolithic voting pattern. The data from the 2024 general elections, where Dr. Bawumia was the NPP’s flagbearer, suggests that identity politics alone does not guarantee victory. Voters are increasingly sophisticated, prioritizing economic performance over ethnic affinity. The analyst’s warning is clear: relying on a voting bloc that failed to materialize previously is a strategic risk.

Electoral Common Sense

Electoral common sense dictates that a candidate must appeal to the broadest possible coalition. In 2023, Dr. Bawumia argued that Ghana might not be ready for a second Northern president in quick succession (following John Mahama). By contesting now, he contradicts that earlier assessment. Prof. Adu-Gyamfi posits that if Dr. Bawumia genuinely believed the electorate was fatigued by Northern candidates, his current candidacy lacks logical grounding unless he can present new evidence of a shifted political appetite.

The Silence on the Economy

For years, the economy was Dr. Bawumia’s strongest political asset. However, recent campaign messaging has notably shifted away from economic stewardship. In political communication, silence is rarely neutral; it is often interpreted as an admission of vulnerability. When a candidate avoids their strongest historical asset, observers are justified in questioning the state of that asset.

Practical Advice

For voters, party delegates, and political analysts, navigating the current primary season requires a methodical approach.

1. Verify Claims with Historical Data

Voters should cross-reference current campaign promises with historical records. If a candidate claims economic competence, review their past statements and the current economic indicators. Do not rely solely on rhetoric; look for verifiable data.

2. Evaluate Electoral Logic

When a candidate argues for their viability, ask the “Why now?” question. If a candidate previously argued against their own candidacy based on regional dynamics, they must provide clear evidence of why those dynamics have changed. Delegates should demand this explanation.

3. Assess the Whole Ticket

Prof. Adu-Gyamfi advises that the NPP must select a candidate who can win not just the internal primary but the general election. Delegates should evaluate candidates based on their ability to appeal to swing voters, not just party loyalists or specific identity groups. A candidate who relies too heavily on a specific bloc that has historically underperformed may be a liability in the general election.

4. Demand Economic Clarity

Candidates should be pressed to address their records. For Dr. Bawumia, this means bridging the gap between his past critiques of fiscal indiscipline and his role in the current administration. Voters should not accept silence as a strategy; they should demand a clear accounting of stewardship.

FAQ

Conclusion

The path to the 2028 general elections is fraught with challenges for the New Patriotic Party. As Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi articulates, the party’s internal democracy faces a rigorous test. The scrutiny on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is not merely personal but structural; it questions the integrity of political narratives and the reliability of electoral strategies.

For Dr. Bawumia to secure the flagbearership and remain viable for 2028, he must address the “credibility gap” identified by analysts. This requires more than rhetoric; it demands a transparent explanation of his economic stewardship, a reassessment of his electoral logic regarding regional voting, and a clear demonstration of why his past contradictions should be forgiven by the electorate.

Ultimately, the “electoral common sense” Prof. Adu-Gyamfi refers to is the voter’s demand for authenticity. As the primary date approaches, the silence on the economy and the shifting standards on regional politics may prove to be the defining hurdles of Dr. Bawumia’s campaign.