High-level government officials, including Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and presidential cousin Gabby Otchere-Darko, were conspicuously absent from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s public lecture on February 7, 2024.
The event, titled “Bawumia Speaks,” was held at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for Ghana’s future if elected president in the upcoming December elections.
Despite the notable absences, Dr. Bawumia delivered a comprehensive address, articulating his plans for the nation’s development and addressing key policy issues. Notably, he reiterated his opposition to the electronic financial transaction tax, known as the e-levy, and pledged to abolish it if elected as President.
The absence of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been a key figure in the government’s economic policies, raised eyebrows, particularly considering his advocacy for the e-levy, which Dr. Bawumia vehemently opposes.
Similarly, the absence of President Nana Akufo-Addo and his cousin Gabby Otchere-Darko, who are influential figures within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), was noted.
While no official explanation was provided for their absence, political analysts speculate that it could signify underlying tensions within the party or disagreements over policy directions.
Despite the absence of these key figures, Dr. Bawumia’s lecture received attention from various quarters, with attendees praising his vision for Ghana’s future and his commitment to addressing pressing issues facing the nation.
As Ghana prepares for the December elections, the absence of prominent government officials at Dr. Bawumia’s lecture has sparked discussions about the internal dynamics within the ruling party and its implications for the upcoming polls.