Best running mate will not make any difference if the president is indecisive and incompetent - Bawumia

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia moments after his selection as the running mate for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for Election 2020 chose to sarcastically attack the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He appealed to the electorate to give Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP “four more [years] to do more for you [Ghanaians].”

Throwing a subtle jab at the opposition NDC, over what is thought in political circles to be a difficulty in finding a running mate but which the NDC has denied and explained it will outdoor its running mate at the appropriate time, Dr Bawumia said, “It is important to note that my job as a running mate is to support the President in implementing his vision.”

“The best running mate in the world would not make a difference if the president is indecisive or incompetent.”

Former President John Dramani Mahama was in February 2019 elected as the flagbearer of the NDC.

The NDC through its Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi on Friday, June 26, 2020 announced during a radio programme discussion [Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen] said that it will outdoor its running mate in the next few weeks.

Bawumia's acceptance speech

The National Council of the NPP on Saturday acclaimed President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia as Presidential Candidate and Running Mate respectively for December's Presidential election, and the official confirmation of their partnership marked a historic landmark in Ghanaian politics, as no pair has ever vied for presidential office on four successive occasions.

Dr Bawumia in his acceptance speech as running mate expressed appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for selecting him for the fourth time as running mate [2008, 2012, 2016, 2020] and indicated that he was thankful that, “in the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I have a strong decisive, incorruptible and competent president to work for.”

He indicated he will wholeheartedly and with all humility accept the nomination, “and I am ready and prepared to serve, I say to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NPP and Ghanaians, that I am reporting to duty as running mate.”

“This day is historic because it has never happened in the history of our country that a Presidential candidate will select the same running mate four times in a row! The president selected me in 2008, 2012, 2016, and now in 2020!”

He said President Akufo-Addo could have settled on other candidates, especially in previous elections, but his consistency underlines his focus and quality as a leader.

Dr Bawumia added:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this (consistency) tells you about the man Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He is a strong leader, a caring leader, a God-fearing leader, a trustworthy leader, and a consistent leader.”

“He could have easily dropped me in 2012 and 2016 but he stuck with me and I am so honoured that he did and so eternally grateful. I would never take the trust and loyalty he has reposed in me for granted and will continue to do everything in my capacity to support him in the execution of his mandate as President. Mr. President, it has been a privilege working for you all these years and I thank you for giving me the opportunity. God Bless you.”

• Read also: 
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• Election 2020: Bawumia partners Akufo-Addo to complete NPP's presidential ticket

Appreciation

Dr Bawumia expressed gratitude to elders of the NPP for their continuous, overwhelming support of his nominations as running mate, his family for their support, and also paid glowing tribute to stalwarts of the NPP and its founding tradition, whom he said continue to inspire him.

“I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to the members of the National Executive Committee and the National Council of our Party. I thank them most sincerely for their overwhelming endorsement.”

“I stand here today because of the sacrifices of my family (my departed father Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia and my mother, Hajia Mariama Bawumia, the love of my dear wife Samira, my children, my brothers and sisters, my departed dear friend and brother Kwabena Boadu and my entire family. I thank you all very much.”

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“As a believer in, and practitioner of, the liberal democratic values and principles of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition, I have been inspired, throughout my life, by the thinking, deeds, sacrifices and accomplishments of such great political icons of our country and Party such as Dr. J.B. Danquah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Mr. William Ofori Atta Obetsebi Lamptey, Prof. K.A. Busia, Chief S.D. Dombo, Alhaji Yakubu Tali, Tolon Naa, Jato Kaleo, Naa Abayifa Karbo, C.K. Tedam, S.G. Antor, Albert Adu-Boahen, R.R. Amponsah, J.B. Da Rocha, J.H. Mensah, Alhaji Aliu Mahama and J.A. Kufuor.”

“Without them we would not be here. I am also indebted to so many men and women who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our party and country on a daily basis without outward recognition.”

He also showed his appreciation to executives of the party at all levels, from the polling station level up to the national level for their support and encouragement.

"What can I say more in appreciation to all the members and sympathizers of the NPP from polling station, through the constituency, to regional and national level? You have loved me, cared for me, appreciated me. I say God bless you all”

While expressing his readiness to continue to partner the President for the task ahead, Dr. Bawumia called for a collective effort of party members to ensure that the party keeps its vision alive.

“Mr Chairman, it is our collective responsibility, as members of the great Kukrudu family and as Ghanaians, to ensure that the sacrifices of these great men and women have not been in vain. I am therefore acutely aware of the sacred responsibility that has once again been entrusted in me by the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and our Great Party. It is a responsibility I will execute with the utmost integrity, respect for our elders, members of our party and members of other political parties.”

4 means 4 more

The Vice President noted that following his record 4th successive nomination, he was confident that the Ghanaian people, come December, will reward President Akufo-Addo with another four more years to do more for the people.

"Mr President, you have chosen me for the fourth time, and Insha Allah, the people of Ghana will give you four more to do more."

“What can I say more in appreciation to all the members and sympathizers of the NPP from Polling station, through the constituency, to regional and national level? You have loved me, cared for me, appreciated me. I say God bless you all.”

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

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