He who wants the rose must bear with the thorn: A reply to Hon Peter Amewu

Just as the proverbial tallest tree that catches the most wind, H. E. Dr. Bawumia has for the past years faced sinister plots from people within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who view his great success and prominence as threats to them.

These vile attacks gained more prominence within some NPP folk who specialized in sharing and propagating the attacks of the NDC propaganda machinery against Dr. Bawumia. Hon Peter Amewu, a member of Alan Kyerematen's campaign team told delegates during one of their campaigns that Mr. Kyerematen should be elected as flagbearer because he was the least attacked by opponents of the NPP. In other words, according to Hon Amewu, the aspirants, and at the head of them Dr. Bawumia, constantly attacked and maligned by the NDC should not be given the nod to lead the party.

I say to Hon Amewu and his campaign team that, a diamond with a "flaw" is worth more than a pebble without "imperfections". The crux of the matter should be why are there more attacks on others especially Dr. Bawumia by our main adversary and less or no attacks at all on Mr. Kyerematen? The answer is simple as espoused by Yaw Buaben Asamoah who is also a campaign team member for Alan Kyerematen. To quote Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Dr. Bawumia is targeted by the NDC because he ".. is unique. It is only him who gives the NDC nightmares" and "When he makes a move, the NDC trembles. The NDC fears Bawumia and finding an antidote to him is their biggest problem". For emphasis again, pay attention to the sentence "It is ONLY him who gives the NDC nightmares". These words from a leading campaign coordinator of the Alan team shows why the attacks on Dr. Bawumia by the NDC should be viewed as a strength for him and the party rather than a weakness.

Furthermore, how can anyone want to personally harvest a beautiful rose but afraid to bear with the thorn? Or better still why, should Dr. Bawumia who bore with all the thorns in his struggles, hardwork, dedication, and sacrifice to help us win power for two consecutive terms be denied the beautiful rose? This campaign message by Hon Amewu and his Alan team is absolutely absurd and capable of dangerously weakening the strong resolve of young patriots who are in the field facing the NDC squarely. For it will be said to them one day that they do not deserve to lead the party because they earned animosity from the NDC during their sacrifice for the party.

In addition, rather than being a liability, Dr. Bawumia's ability to weather attacks from the NDC for the past 15 years clearly demonstrates his resilience and strength of character. He has always placed the interest of the party ahead of any personal consideration of comfort or safety from NDC attacks. This is the quality of a true leader, someone who can withstand and overcome intense criticism and personal attacks. And this is the kind of leader we need going into the 2024 elections which promises to be the toughest in our country’s history; not someone whose first instinct in times of intense criticism is to quit or resign.

To conclude, the insults and personal attacks by the NDC actually underscore Dr. Bawumia's effectiveness and growing popularity. It is imperative to base leadership decisions on merit, achievements, and the ability to unify the party, rather than succumbing to baseless allegations. Dr. Bawumia's commitment, proven track record and resilience make him a formidable leader and an ideal candidate for the NPP's 2024 presidential ticket and there is absolutely no doubt that the delegates are poised to elect him.

Thank you.
Written by:
Issah Imoro
([email protected])
10/07/2023