Why Ghanaians Must Choose Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Over John Mahama on December 7, 2024

As Ghanaians approach December 7, 2024, a critical question looms: Who should lead us forward—Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia or John Dramani Mahama? This decision is not merely about political parties; it is about leadership, vision, and integrity. While some voters lament that "all the parties are the same," I argue that the personalities leading these parties are vastly different. Dr. Bawumia is incorruptible and a unifier, while Mahama has proven to be corrupt and divisive.

During his tenure as president, John Mahama’s leadership was marred by inefficiency and scandals. Under his watch, Ghanaians endured crippling economic challenges, dumsor (persistent power outages), and rampant corruption scandals such as the GYEEDA and SADA debacles. Mahama’s administration left the country burdened with debt and a weakened economy. Despite these failures, his desperation to return to power raises serious questions: What exactly is his motive for coming back? To correct his failures or to enrich himself further?

Speaking to market women recently, many expressed frustrations over the economic struggles Ghana faced post-COVID-19. Yet, their skepticism about Mahama’s comeback was evident. One remark stood out: "He’s coming to enrich himself." This candid observation underscores the lingering distrust many Ghanaians feel about Mahama’s intentions. After all, what new solutions can he offer when his previous administration struggled to deliver?

In stark contrast, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia represents a breath of fresh air. As Vice President, Bawumia has demonstrated a clear vision for Ghana’s future. His leadership in driving Ghana’s digital transformation—through initiatives like the digital addressing system, mobile money interoperability, and digitizing public services—has laid a strong foundation for a modern and efficient economy. These are not just policies; they are transformative solutions aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

Unlike Mahama, whose tenure was characterized by division and favouritism, Bawumia is a unifier. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to bridge divides, fostering collaboration across ethnic, political, and regional lines. His incorruptible nature and commitment to transparency make him the ideal candidate to restore public trust in leadership.

The argument that “all parties are the same” falls apart when we examine the personalities leading these parties. Leadership is about character, and Dr. Bawumia has shown that he is not just a politician but a statesman with the competence and integrity needed to guide Ghana forward. Mahama’s track record, on the other hand, is riddled with failures and self-serving motives.

Ghanaians must not be deceived by Mahama’s rhetoric or his claims of being the solution to our current challenges. His return would likely bring more excuses and inefficiency, further stagnating our progress. As one market woman aptly put it, “What difference will Mahama bring?” Indeed, his return offers no hope for transformation but rather a regression to a period most Ghanaians would rather forget.

On December 7, let us reject the past and embrace a future of innovation, unity, and progress. Let us choose Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia—a leader with the vision, integrity, and solutions to take Ghana to greater heights.