By Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo staunchly defended his administration’s performance and endorsed his Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as his potential successor during an address at the 13th Biennial and 51st Conference of the Methodist Church of Ghana in Kumasi.
Akufo-Addo, facing the twilight of his second term, insisted that his government has delivered on its mandate despite facing significant challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic. The President highlighted achievements across various sectors of the economy as evidence of his administration’s effectiveness.
“I can say in all good conscience that I have not betrayed the mandate the good people of Ghana conferred on me on two successive occasions,” Akufo-Addo declared to the assembled church leaders and congregants. He emphasized that the foundation laid by his administration is solid and beneficial for the country’s future.
The President took the opportunity to advocate for Vice President Bawumia, who has been selected as the flagbearer for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections. Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in Bawumia’s ability to continue and build upon the work initiated by the current government.
“I pray that you continue with the same level of cooperation with my successor, God willing, my Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his dynamic running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known to all and sundry here in Kumasi as NAPO,” Akufo-Addo urged the audience.
The endorsement comes at a crucial time for the NPP as it prepares for the next general election. Bawumia, an economist and former deputy governor of Ghana’s central bank, has been a key figure in Akufo-Addo’s administration, particularly in spearheading the country’s digitalization efforts.
Akufo-Addo’s speech also touched on the importance of continuity in governance, suggesting that Bawumia’s leadership would ensure the ongoing development and stability of the nation through the NPP’s policies. This emphasis on continuity reflects the party’s strategy to maintain power by presenting Bawumia as a natural successor to Akufo-Addo’s legacy.
The President acknowledged the support he has received from the Church and the Ghanaian people during his tenure. “All this has been done in part due to the support I have received from you and the Church and above all due to the grace of Almighty God through whom I express my deepest gratitude,” he said.
As Ghana approaches its next electoral cycle, Akufo-Addo’s endorsement of Bawumia and his defense of the government’s record set the stage for what is likely to be a competitive campaign. The NPP will face challenges from the opposition, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in convincing voters that their policies and leadership are best suited to address Ghana’s ongoing economic and social development needs.
The address at the Methodist Church conference also underscores the significant role that religious institutions play in Ghanaian politics and public life. By choosing this venue to make such a strong statement of support for his potential successor, Akufo-Addo is appealing to a crucial demographic in Ghana’s diverse electorate.
