Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emphasized the need for decisive leadership to tackle critical issues like economic development, social inequality, and infrastructure enhancement in the country.
Drawing on his background as an economist, he highlighted his unique perspective and skill set rooted in evidence-based policymaking and a practical approach to governance.
Speaking to Africa Watch magazine, Dr. Bawumia, as a public servant, expressed firsthand experience in witnessing the nation’s challenges alongside recognizing its vast potential to surmount them.
He said, “I am passionate about implementing innovative solutions to propel Ghana forward and improve the lives of all its citizens.”
Dr. Bawumia, who doubles as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), noted the rapid transition of the world into the digital age and stressed that Ghana must not lag behind.
He expressed a firm dedication to leveraging the transformative potential of digitalization to propel Ghana into a new era of advancement and prosperity.
“Digitalization is not just a policy initiative for me. It is a fundamental pillar of my vision for the future of our nation,” he added.
The Vice President affirmed his commitment to creating a future where the youth have access to quality education, an inclusive and vibrant economy, and a society founded on the values of fairness, justice, and equality.
Addressing his campaign slogan “It is possible,” and his motivation for running for President, the NPP flag bearer stated, “I am running for president because I am deeply committed to the progress and prosperity of Ghana and its people.”
He said, “I have prepared myself for the job and I want to assure Ghanaians I am ready to serve with all my heart and energies.”
“Running for President is not just about seeking power or prestige. It is about service to the nation and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our people.
“It is about solving problems, and I am a problem-solver, as evidenced in my work at the Central Bank and as Vice-President,” he emphasised saying “I am ready to lead with integrity, humility, and vision, and I am confident that together, we can build a brighter future for Ghana.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that while he had never envisioned becoming a politician despite being exposed to politics in his childhood, destiny had a way of leading him down new paths.
He recounted his surprise when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo approached him to be his running mate, a decision he had to make while serving as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
Dr. Bawumia described this as a tough decision, as it meant leaving behind his career for the unpredictable world of politics.
“I realised that it was a God-sent opportunity to make a difference in Ghana, and to contribute to the development of our country at the highest levels. I was inspired by the vision and philosophy of the President and my inherent capabilities as a problem-solver. I knew I had something great to offer in support of the vision of the President and the NPP for Mother Ghana,” Dr Bawumia indicated.
When asked about his selection as running mate for four consecutive elections, from 2008 to 2020, the NPP flag bearer suggested that President Akufo-Addo may have been seeking a Vice-Presidential candidate who was well-suited for the role and possessed the necessary capabilities to be a strong complement.
He noted that the selection of a running mate could be considered from various perspectives, including trust, loyalty, competence, hard work, compatibility, and other virtues.
He said, “President Akufo-Addo had been vindicated in selecting me a record four times because of my contribution to our victory in 2016 and 2020 and my widely acknowledged performance as the best Vice-President in the history of the country.”