Mamprugu accords Bawumia, Nana Addo rousing welcome

The Vice-Presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party for the 2012 general elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Friday touched base with his birthplace in the Mamprugu traditional area in the northern region barely a week after his selection.

The visit preceded Saturday's NPP Muslim thanksgiving service scheduled at the Tamale Sports Stadium to seek God's guidance and blessing for election 2012.

The team, which included the NPP flagbearer himself, Nana Akudo-Addo on its way to the Nayiri in Nalerigu, stopped at the Nasia Chief's palace, the Bawumia family home in Kperiga and Gambaga for Jumaa prayers.

Addressing enthusiastic supporters in Kperiga, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the people of Walewale for their support in the last elections and again asked them for their continued support and prayers in the December polls.

In Nalerigu, the town folk gave the team a rousing welcome that brought all activities to a halt as they visited the Nayiri's palace where thousands of supporters gathered.

Speaking to the teeming supporters, Nana Akufo-Addo said “with Mahamudu by my side, our vision of transforming our economy to provide free education and jobs for our youth will be possible”.

On his part, Dr. Bawumia told his teeming supporters to take his nomination as a nomination for everyone. “My nomination is for all of us. Whether, Dagomba, Nanumba, Gonja, Konkomba, Kusasi, Akan, Ewe or Mamprusi, it is for us all. What is important is that we support Nana to be president so that we can bridge the gap between the north and south and create opportunities for every Ghanaian” he said.

The Nayiri and the people assured them of their support and prayers and wished them luck in the polls.

A resident of Nareligu, Alhassan Zibrim could not hide his excitement “we are happy Nana has picked Bawumia again, we missed the opportunity in 2008, lightening does not strike twice but Allah has given us another opportunity and we will not waste it this time.”

Other members of the team included, H.E Aliu Mahama, Sheik I.C Quaye, Sheik T.B Damba, Fred Oware, Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe, Hajia Alima Mahama among others.