In a surprising turn of events in Ghanaian politics, former President John Mahama’s return to power has become a central topic of discussion. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recently addressed the Young Executive Forum in the UK, reflecting on Mahama’s victory, acknowledging some of the NPP’s shortcomings, and expressing optimism for the 2028 elections. His remarks offer a glimpse into the NPP’s strategy for the future, recognizing the need to learn from past experiences while navigating the complexities of Ghanaian politics.

Bawumia began by expressing his surprise at Mahama’s resurgence. “Who would have thought that Mahama will come back again and be president of Ghana?” he remarked, underscoring the unexpected nature of this development. He further elaborated on the typical trajectory of first-time presidential candidates in Ghana, noting that they often face significant hurdles. He cited examples such as John Kufuor in 2000, John Atta Mills in 2008, and Nana Akufo-Addo, all of whom experienced initial setbacks before ultimately securing the presidency.

Bawumia pointed to the unique circumstances surrounding Mahama’s 2012 victory, emphasizing the impact of President Mills’ passing and the subsequent shift in the campaign’s atmosphere. “They played funeral songs all the way to victory,” Bawumia noted, suggesting that this created an environment that was difficult for the NPP to navigate at the time.

Analyzing the 2024 election, Bawumia suggested that the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) victory was more about capitalizing on an opportunity than demonstrating inherent strength. He anticipates that the NDC will likely transition to a new candidate in 2028, potentially creating an opening for the NPP to regain its footing. Acknowledging the NPP’s missteps, Bawumia stated, “We didn’t get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong.” He offered an apology for these shortcomings, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging errors and using them as lessons for future endeavors.

Despite these challenges, Bawumia remains optimistic about the NPP’s prospects. “If, by the grace of God, we have another opportunity, I believe that we will get many things right,” he asserted, conveying confidence in the party’s ability to improve and achieve success in the 2028 elections. He then transitioned to critiquing the NDC’s performance since assuming power.

Bawumia highlighted several instances where the NDC, according to him, has failed to deliver on its promises. He pointed to the rising cost of living, stagnant cocoa prices, and the persistent issue of illegal mining (galamsey) as examples of unfulfilled pledges. “They said they were going to bring down the cost of kenkey and the cost of living…No. Prices are rather going up,” Bawumia stated, emphasizing the disparity between the NDC’s promises and the current economic realities. He also criticized the NDC’s flagship 24-hour economy policy in light of the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.” “How can you have a 24-hour economy with dumsor at the same time?” he questioned, underscoring the apparent contradiction.

Bawumia warned that the dumsor crisis is likely to worsen, potentially crippling the economy. He drew a parallel to the tenure of President Kufuor, recalling that Kufuor initially faced unpopularity but eventually garnered admiration for his accomplishments. He encouraged Ghanaians to reflect on the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration, suggesting that public perception can evolve over time. Bawumia reiterated his optimism for the 2028 election, stating, “These are the reasons I believe we have a good shot at the 2028 election.” He called for support and enthusiasm for the NPP’s future vision. Bawumia emphasized the importance of considering the NDC’s performance in the context of past achievements.

In summary, Bawumia’s address offered a multi-faceted perspective on the current Ghanaian political landscape. He acknowledged the surprising return of Mahama, took ownership of the NPP’s missteps, and expressed optimism for the 2028 elections. His remarks highlight the significance of learning from past experiences and maintaining a forward-looking approach. Ultimately, Bawumia’s call for support underscores the NPP’s determination to remain a relevant force in Ghanaian politics and its pursuit of victory in the 2028 elections.