Incorruptible Dr. Bawumia: Testimonies of Civil Society Leaders and anti-Corruption Activists

In the early hours of 14 November 2022, Tiger P. I led by Anas Armeyaw and the New Crusading Guide published excerpts of their documentary "Galamsey Economy" which was scheduled to air later that evening at the International Conference Center. The publication, which had no direct link to Dr. Bawumia, alleged that former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry Charles Adu Boahene had alleged an amount of 200,000 USD as appearance fee for seeing the Vice President.

As is typical of politics, many political opponents, within and without, of Dr. Bawumia saw this publication and subsequent airing of the documentary by Anas Armeyaw Anas' Tiger P. I as an opportunity to spite the unblemished personality of Dr. Bawumia. However, their hopes were dashed as instantaneous defence of Vice President Dr. Bawumia's integrity spread like a wild inferno by not only his loved ones but also leaders of civil society organizations and anti-corruption activists. In fact, some fierce political activitists who have been noted in the past for criticizing Dr. Bawumia agreed to the fact that there was no single evidence or anything in the documentary indicting Dr. Bawumia.

Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) who has been an avowed critic of this government and a fierce anti-corruption advocate could not hide his belief in the incorruptible nature of Dr. Bawumia.

He said: " From the basis of what I have heard from people, I will want to trust the Vice President's integrity when it comes to matters of corruption".

Mr. Braimah's sentiments were corroborated by host of Joy FM's Newsfile program, Samson Lardi Ayenini Esq when he said that it was common knowledge the Vice President was uninterested in corrupt matters and hence was nicknamed "good to see you".

On his part, Political Scientist and Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Dr. John Osae Kwapong said:

"He [Bawumia] is one person that I have never heard anyone mention anything about influence peddling and corruption about him"

Programmes Manager at the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mary Addah also said:

"It is true that the Vice President [Bawumia] is a good man, I have had encounters with him and he was good"

Outspoken Founding President of Imani Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe was not left out either. He said:

"When making business deals, one must always be measured. Grandstanding should be avoided at all cost especially when it involves others who are unaware of the deals. Not sure Veep Bawumia needs financial 'pimping' from anyone"

Vice President of Imani Ghana, Kofi Bentil was very emphatic in defence of Dr. Bawumia. He said with emphasis on certain key words in a post on social media:

"The Big man [Dr. Bawumia] HAS NEVER BEEN KNOWN TO DO THAT.!! In his many years in Leadership!"

The above testimonies and defence for the Vice President are very instructive and only represent a fraction of the positive thoughts that the vast majority of Ghanaians have for Dr. Bawumia. Dr. Bawumia’s office and home are always open to all Ghanaians at absolutely no cost. History is replete with evidence that Dr. Bawumia has always warmly received Ghanaians from all walks of life and several people who ordinarily, with the greatest of respect, cannot afford a fraction of the alleged amount.

In all of this, what was the motive of Anas Armeyaw Anas and his Tiger P. I for seeking an opinion about Dr. Bawumia through a third party, in this case Charles Adu Boahene? And why did they proceed to publish such negative opinions when it did not, in anyway, emanate directly from Dr. Bawumia knowing very well his political opponents are always lying in wait to spite him? Was it to increase sales for the tickets of their documentary? Or it was a deliberate attempt to bring Dr. Bawumia's name into disrepute? Well, the latter obviously "fell flat".

Whatever their reasons are, I find the action of Anas Armeyaw and his Tiger P. I to be inappropriate and despicable. You do not set out to place a public officer's integrity like that of the venerable Dr. Bawumia on the 'chopping board' based on the opinions of a third party who has absolutely no direct ties with the Vice President.

Dr. Bawumia is a very disciplined, meticulous, honest and hardworking politician. His unblemished integrity will continue to shine and no amount of evil plots can bring him down In Shaa Allah.

Written by:

Dr. Issah Imoro

(issahwuni@gmail.com)

20/11/2022