In a move that has electrified the political landscape of the country, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has launched an ambitious, constituency-to-constituency campaign tour. This follows the recent outdooring of his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, at a high-profile event in Kumasi, which has added a new dynamic to the political discourse.
As the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia is no stranger to the rigors of a nationwide campaign. Yet, his current approach is notably intensive, with a focus on individual constituencies such as Daboya-Mankarigu, Bole-Bamboi, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savannah Region and subsequently also covered some places in Wa Central and Wa West constituencies in the Upper West region.
Observation: The campaign has not merely about winning votes, but about addressing issues and laying out a clear vision for a modern Ghana. Central to Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, through the message to electorates, is the belief in harnessing the power of education, technology, and skills-acquisition.
According to Dr. Bawumia, his vision is to build a Ghana that is ready to embrace the opportunities of the 4th Industrial Revolution, ensuring that the nation is not left behind in this global shift.
This issues-based approach, say campaign officials, sets a new benchmark in political campaigning, with a focus on the future of Ghana and its potential on the global stage. “This is more than a campaign; it’s a movement towards progress, a journey towards a modern Ghana, and a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership.”
Wechiau’s promise: a pledge of support
The Chiefs and people of Wechiau in the Wa West constituency of the Upper West region have pledged their support for the NPP candidates in the upcoming election, citing the Party’s consistent commitment to the development of the area over the years.
According to the Chiefs, Dr. Bawumia’s decision to formally announce his presidential bid to them as a mark of respect for traditional institutions, and they intend to reciprocate this respect at the ballot box.
The Paramount Chief of Wechiau, Naa Imoru Nandon Gomah II, expressed his support for Dr. Bawumia during a visit to his palace. The NPP flagbearer was there as part of his constituency-focused nationwide campaign tour, during which he engages with traditional authorities, religious and opinion leaders, the youth, and all facets of society to shed more light on his vision for Ghana’s future.
The Paramount Chief of Wechiau bestowed his blessings on Dr. Bawumia as he seeks to lead the nation, saying, “As Chiefs, we can assure you of our support to enable you to continue the good works of the New Patriotic Party Government after 7th December, 2024. We wish you God’s blessings and protection.”
In response, Dr. Bawumia urged the people of the Wa West Constituency to give him and the NPP the opportunity to build upon the gains made so far, adding, “My vision for Ghana’s future will see us, among others, train our children for the future and equip our youth with the requisite skills to create jobs and compete favorably with their contemporaries across the world.”
Fulfillment of promises in Sissala
The chiefs and people of the three traditional areas in the Sissala West District of the Upper West District showered praise on the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for promptly fulfilling a promise to provide a Pickup vehicle to the only Senior High School in the district.
The NPP flagbearer pledged to provide the vehicle to the Hilla Limann Senior High School in response to a request by the late Paramount Chief of Gwollu, Kuri-Biktie Limann IV. Dr. Bawumia made the pledge when he led a government delegation to the late Gwollu overlord’s funeral at Gwollu.
Less than a month after the pledge, Dr. Bawumia, handed over the keys to a brand-new Nissan Navarra 4×4 Pickup to the authorities of the school at the Gwollu Palace, Gwollu.
Reading a speech on behalf of his fellow Paramount Chiefs of Zini, Gwollu, and Pulima, Kuoru Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, Paramount Chief of Pulima expressed surprise at the speed with which Dr. Bawumia had fulfilled his pledge.
“Your recent pledge to grant the request of our late father and colleague, late Kuoru Kuri Buktie Limann to get a bus and a Pickup for the Dr. Hilla Limann Senior High School are testament of your government’s and personal commitment to groom quality human resource for the benefit of our country.
“So, let me be fulsome on behalf of the Chiefs and people of our land, in showing our profound gratitude for such meaningful interventions. I have gathered from very reliable sources that what you told us at these same grounds, barely a fortnight ago about making the Pickup available, is most likely to come to fruition today.
“I ask on behalf of our people, “What kind of a politician is this?” You promised and you delivered. We are deeply touched and express the same here with elation” Kuoru Deiwia Nankpa stated.
Nadowli/Kaleo chiefs back Bawumia
The five Paramount Chiefs in the Nadowli/Kaleo District of the Upper West Region have publicly affirmed their confidence in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s ability to competently lead the nation to an enhanced level of development.
In a speech read on their behalf, the Paramount chiefs of Nadowli, Takpo, Charipkong, Kaleo, and Sankana enumerated the many developments the district has received in recent times including the upgrading of feeder roads, construction of bridges, and gravelling of roads.
These developments, they emphasized, have significantly improved accessibility and facilitated economic activities.
Expressing their appreciation for these developments, the chiefs have promised to vote “massively” for the NPP Presidential Candidate to continue the good works being undertaken by the present government.
The traditional authorities of the Nadowli/Kaleo District pledged their support when the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia engaged with the chiefs and opinion leaders in the Nadowli/Kaleo Constituency as part of his constituency-focused nationwide campaign tour, at Kaleo.
“Mr. Vice President, we pledge the support of the Chiefs and good people of Nadowli Kaleo Constituency to vote massively for you to become the President of the Republic of Ghana. We believe in your leadership and vision for our nation,” they declared.
“Thank you for your attention to our concerns. We wish you a successful campaign and look forward to your presidency.”
Thanking the Chiefs for their support, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his promise to facilitate the review of Section 63 of the Constitution to grant adjudicatory powers to traditional authorities, maintaining that many disputes can be resolved in Palaces instead of the courts, thereby speeding up justice delivery.
A Bawumia Presidency would also pay a Living Wage to Paramount and Divisional Chiefs and their Queens, the NPP flagbearer also pledged.
Senior Business Journalist & Vice-Presidential Correspondent of B&FT
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