In a recent address at the Jubilee House, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo offered insights into the compelling factors that led to his choice of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate, a decision that significantly impacted Ghana's political landscape.
Akufo-Addo, in his explanation, highlighted Dr Bawumia's exceptional attributes, including truthfulness, goal orientation, and an unwavering dedication to achieving collective objectives. The President's choice was a result of a keen recognition of these qualities in Dr. Bawumia.
President Akufo-Addo also underlined the importance of regional balance and unity in Ghana's leadership, emphasizing that, “In terms of the balance, people from the south, people from the north… I think that for the unity of the country, it is good that we have a leadership where Northerners and Southerners are together so that the country can remain united.”
Moreover, Akufo-Addo expressed his admiration for Dr. Bawumia's honesty and direct communication style, emphasizing his preference for individuals who speak candidly. He lauded Dr. Bawumia, saying, “He [Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia] is an honest person. He speaks honestly to you. He is not one of those people who you have to guess what they are trying to say, he says what he has to say directly.”
It's worth noting that President Akufo-Addo's choice of Dr Bawumia as his running mate initially raised questions and concerns within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and among political observers due to Dr Bawumia's relatively low profile in Ghanaian politics at the time.
Despite the initial scepticism, Akufo-Addo steadfastly stood by his decision, leading to their joint contest in the 2008 and 2012 elections, where they narrowly missed victory to the NDC led by John Evans Atta Mills and John Mahama, respectively.
The tide turned in 2016 and 2020 when the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia ticket secured victory, and they have since served as President and Vice President, collectively accumulating six years and ten months in office. This partnership has left a profound mark on Ghana's political landscape.