A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Kobby Mensah, has countered suggestions that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would bring a distinct leadership style compared to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In an interview on Neat FM on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Prof. Mensah asserted that he perceives no disparity between Dr. Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, and President Akufo-Addo, despite the vice president’s articulation of his vision for the country.
He emphasized that, based on the information presented, he did not observe any noteworthy differences that would lead him to believe Dr. Bawumia intends to chart a distinct course from that of President Akufo-Addo if he assumes the presidency.
“… there is no difference, there is no difference. They are the same. If you vote for Bawumia, you are voting for Akufo-Addo – they are the same.
“Because when you say you’re coming with your own vision, it is not the programme you mention that would make us see the differentiation. It is your attitude, and the underlining philosophy of the programme you are mentioning that would make me see that you are different,” he said in Twi.
He highlighted that the differentiation should not only be based on the programs mentioned but also on the attitude and underlying philosophy of those programs.
Prof. Mensah noted that Dr. Bawumia’s speeches and flamboyancy have not demonstrated a significant shift from his previous support for Nana Addo, indicating that he has not witnessed a fundamental change in vision.
Prof Mensah added, “Bawumia hasn’t changed the flamboyancy he used to support Nana Addo. I didn’t see any difference between his speech in 2015 and the one he had recently for me to believe that, indeed, he is carrying a new vision. What did he say? You are here talking about AI and the likes, flamboyancy, and he has not achieved any of his promises.”