By Daniel Bampoe
The 2028 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken a direct swipe at the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the administration led by John Dramani Mahama of failing to deliver on key campaign promises made to Ghanaians ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Dr. Bawumia made the remarks during his first major public appearance after securing victory in the NPP presidential primary held on January 31, 2026, where he polled 56.48 percent of votes to emerge as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections.
The event was the 40th anniversary celebration of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Mid-West Ghana Conference in Sunyani, held on May 2, 2026, where political undertones emerged despite the religious setting.
Addressing the congregation, Dr. Bawumia combined messages of gratitude, unity, and national reflection with sharp political commentary, effectively turning the platform into an early stage for his opposition campaign messaging.
He acknowledged the country’s current economic and social challenges and argued that many of the expectations created during the 2024 campaign by the NDC government have not been met.
Among the issues he highlighted were concerns about cocoa pricing, the much-publicised 24-hour economy policy, and the re-emergence of power supply challenges commonly referred to as “dumsor.”
According to him, these issues reflect a gap between promises made and the realities currently facing Ghanaians.
In a notable moment during the event, Dr. Bawumia directed some of his criticisms toward Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, who was also present at the programme.
Despite the political tension, the two were seen sharing a cordial exchange, a moment that drew attention from congregants and observers.
Beyond the political critique, Dr. Bawumia used the occasion to call for national unity and peace, urging Ghanaians to maintain harmony as the country navigates its democratic journey.
He reiterated his “It is Possible” agenda, positioning it as a framework for addressing the challenges through what he described as bold and practical solutions.
He also reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to religious tolerance and inclusivity, stressing the importance of maintaining the long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
The event forms part of a broader post-primary outreach by Dr. Bawumia, who has been engaging various stakeholder groups—including religious bodies, political figures, and international partners—as he consolidates support and sets the tone for the 2028 campaign.
Meanwhile, following Dr. Bawumia’s remarks, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah reportedly responded by suggesting that religious platforms should remain focused on prayer and reflection, cautioning against turning church programmes into political campaign grounds.
