In a recent address delivered in London, Dr. Bawumia ardently defended President Akufo-Addo’s legacy, positioning it against a backdrop of current economic challenges in Ghana. Speaking at a Thank You Tour event hosted by the Young Executive Forum (YEF) in London, Bawumia asserted that “posterity will be kind to Nana Akufo-Addo and the government of the NPP.” Despite acknowledging existing shortcomings, Bawumia insisted that history would ultimately vindicate Akufo-Addo’s administration, drawing parallels with the post-presidency reputation of John Kufuor and offering pointed criticisms of the current NDC government’s performance. This address serves as a significant marker in Ghana politics, particularly with an eye toward the NPP 2028 election prospects.

Bawumia’s central argument revolved around the idea that the Akufo-Addo legacy, much like that of former President Kufuor, will be better appreciated with the passage of time. He drew a direct comparison, stating, “You remember that when Kufuor left office, he wasn’t a very popular president…But today, he is one of the most popular presidents.” This comparison underscores a belief in retrospective appreciation, suggesting that Ghanaians may, in time, recognize the value of Akufo-Addo’s contributions.

He further contrasted the Akufo-Addo era with the present NDC government, implying that the coming years would highlight the achievements of the previous administration. “People will appreciate the work that Nana Akufo-Addo’s government also did for Ghana,” Bawumia stated, hinting at early disillusionment with the current leadership.

However, Bawumia did not shy away from acknowledging the mistakes made during Akufo-Addo’s tenure. He admitted that the NPP government “didn’t get everything right” and offered an apology to supporters. “We got quite a few things wrong…I apologise to all of you for us not getting the things right,” he said, underscoring the significance of this admission in the context of defending the Akufo-Addo legacy. Despite these acknowledged missteps, Bawumia expressed optimism about the NPP’s potential return to power in 2028, stating that they’ve “learned the lessons” from their past experiences. “If…we have another opportunity, I believe that we will get many things right,” he added, strategically looking ahead to future elections.

In addition to defending the Akufo-Addo legacy, Bawumia launched several criticisms against the current NDC government, focusing on unfulfilled promises and rising costs of living. He pointedly mentioned the NDC’s failure to reduce the cost of living, specifically highlighting kenkey prices. “They said that when they come, they will bring down the cost of kenkey…Have you noticed the reduction in prices in Ghana? No,” he remarked, emphasizing the contrast between campaign promises and current realities.

Bawumia also dismissed the NDC’s proposed 24-hour economy policy as unfeasible, given the persistent “dumsor” (power outages) plaguing the nation. “How can you have a 24-hour economy with dumsor at the same time? I mean, you can’t,” he questioned, exposing what he perceives as hypocrisy and practical challenges. Furthermore, he asserted that the NDC is struggling to govern effectively after engaging in extensive propaganda while in opposition. “It’s not easy to do propaganda when you are in government. It’s very easy to do propaganda in opposition…They told so many lies,” he stated, highlighting unmet expectations.

While not explicitly declaring his candidacy, Bawumia hinted at his potential 2028 presidential ambitions, suggesting that he is positioning himself for a future comeback. “I believe that we are in a very good position to win this election, and we should be very, very enthusiastic,” he noted, acknowledging the political maneuvering and potential challenges ahead. He also suggested that the NPP might have an advantage in 2028 because the NDC would likely need to field a new presidential candidate. “There’s a sense that in 2028, NDC is going to bring a new candidate…I believe we will have an advantage,” he explained, pointing to the strategic advantage of facing an unfamiliar opponent.

In summary, Bawumia’s address in London served as a robust defense of the Akufo-Addo legacy, a critique of the current NDC government, and a subtle hint at his ambitions for 2028. He reiterated his central claim about posterity being kind to Akufo-Addo, underscoring the ongoing debate about Akufo-Addo’s impact on Ghana and setting the stage for future political battles. Ultimately, time will tell how history judges the Akufo-Addo legacy and whether Bawumia’s optimism for the NPP 2028 election will materialize.