BY Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has raised concerns over the potential resurgence of President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as “scary” if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) fails to present a united front ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In his 2026 New Year message, Dr. Bawumia appealed to party delegates and members to prioritize unity, discipline, and strategic leadership during the party’s upcoming presidential primary on January 31.
Addressing both party faithful and the wider Ghanaian public, Dr. Bawumia reflected on the challenges that the nation has faced over the past year.
He highlighted the economic hardships confronting ordinary citizens, including parents struggling to provide for their families, young people awaiting employment opportunities, and traders, professionals, and farmers grappling with rising living costs.
While acknowledging some macroeconomic stability, he emphasized that the burdens on Ghanaians remain significant and require a competent and united political opposition to address them.
Though he congratulated President Mahama on completing his first year in office, Dr. Bawumia underscored the risks associated with a complacent NPP.
He warned that the opposition party must avoid internal divisions, as they could make a Mahama comeback easier and more threatening.
Citing the decline in the 2025 Global Peace Index—dropping six places globally and from fourth to seventh in Sub-Saharan Africa—he argued that the nation faces growing security challenges and pockets of uncertainty that demand vigilant, principled leadership.
Dr. Bawumia also raised concerns about the state of the democratic institutions.
He pointed to what he described as alarming cracks in governance, including the politicization of the judiciary, noting that the manner in which the country’s third female Chief Justice was removed undermined public confidence in institutional independence.
“When institutions are weakened, democracy is weakened. When institutions are politicized, trust is lost,” he stated, emphasizing the need for leadership committed to strengthening, not undermining, the pillars of Ghana’s democratic order.
Turning to the NPP, Dr. Bawumia urged delegates to see the upcoming flagbearer election as a test of unity and shared purpose.
He stressed that the contest should focus on ideas, vision, and the capacity to serve Ghanaians, rather than personal rivalry or attacks that could fracture the party.
Highlighting recent constitutional reforms, including the broadening of the party’s Electoral College to ensure greater inclusivity, he framed these measures as crucial for restoring credibility and strengthening internal democracy.
The former Vice President also reminded members that leadership is not about privilege, but responsibility, and that a true leader prioritizes the welfare of all Ghanaians.
He called on delegates to put aside divisions, rumors, and distractions, insisting that only through cohesion can the NPP reclaim public trust and prepare effectively to challenge the ruling administration.
Closing his message, Dr. Bawumia appealed to party members to dream of a united Ghana, one in which ethnic and religious differences are set aside in pursuit of national progress.
“We must act now to ensure our party is ready to lead,” he said, warning that failure to do so would make a Mahama comeback not only possible but deeply concerning for the country’s future.
