GFL accuses Bawumia of abuse of incumbency

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) on Tuesday accused Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Presidential Candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), of blatant abuse of incumbency in the ongoing election campaign.

Mr. Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the GFL, alleged that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia, and Ministers of State were using state resources to advance the NPP’s campaign for a third consecutive term in office.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Koomson criticized the excessive use of government resources and authority in electioneering activities. “They are taking undue advantage of government power and resources in their campaign, which comes at a cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer,” he said.

He expressed concern over the perceived silence of Civil Society Organizations, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Labour Unions, and the media regarding what he described as a flagrant abuse of incumbency by the current administration.

“President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia have turned state functions into political rally grounds, campaigning for their third term bid. Fleets of state vehicles are crisscrossing the country with ministers campaigning vigorously, all at the expense of the taxpayer,” Mr. Koomson stated.

He warned that such practices pose a serious threat to Ghana’s democracy, urging citizens to demand political accountability. “Our democracy is under threat from the abuse of incumbency. We must all wake up and put an end to it,” he emphasized.

The GFL Secretary General further criticized the politicization of access to public facilities, noting that official events are being used for partisan purposes and public resources are being privatized to serve political interests.

“It is improper to use public vehicles, state security, state officials, and public venues for political purposes,” he said. “We must all speak out against this.”

Mr. Koomson also accused the NPP and Dr. Bawumia of engaging in coercive campaign tactics, including preventing opposition candidates from advertising, blocking access to municipal facilities for campaign events, denying opponents the right to engage citizens, and securing votes through threats and intimidation.

“This conduct is undemocratic and undermines the sanctity of our democratic system,” he stressed.

He further alleged that the government is unlawfully funding campaign activities with state resources, employing public servants as campaign workers, using public transportation for electoral purposes, and engaging in vote-buying.

Mr. Koomson reminded Ghanaians that such practices violate the fundamental principles of democracy and called for collective action to stop the abuse.

“The abuse of incumbency is a scourge in Ghanaian elections and must be prevented to ensure a credible electoral process and effective democratic governance,” he concluded.