The furore, isolated though, that followed the mentioning of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as Nana Akufo Addo’s running-mate seems to have completely vanished. Let’s face it, from hindsight the selection of Dr.Bawumia is a wisest decision made by Nana Akufo Addo. This clearly gives testimony to Nana Akufo Addo’s political and leadership qualities. Truly the NPP flag bearer Nana Akufo Addo and his advisors must be saluted for the able manner they handled the running-mate issue.
No one can dispute the credentials of Dr. Bawumia and one can dully understand the reasons why Nana Akufo Addo selected him as his running-mate. The NPP Presidential maestro has longed maintained his desire to accelerate the development of this Nation hence the need for a Team with an ‘already made’ experience to parachute his agenda for this country.
It is equally true that some people in the NPP are still not enthused about the nomination of Dr. Bawumia, but the truth of the matter is that, the same divergent views could have been expressed regardless of whoever was selected by Nana Akufo Addo.Such is the beauty of democracy such that as a leader you will never, in any point in time, have all your members supporting you in any decision you take, for sure, there will be divergent views or opinions even in the years to come. What is refreshing though is that the entire members of the NPP have resolved to support the flag bearer and his running-mate in achieving a first round victory comes December 7th.That victory will surely come true.
In spite of Dr. Bawumia’s economic management records he has a lot to learn from the current Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama. Sincerely speaking, the excellent manner in which Alhaji Aliu Mahama has dispatched his duties has gladdened the hearts of majority of both NPP foot soldiers and Ghanaians both home and abroad. Obviously the Vice President may have his minuses but certain qualities distinguish the Vice President. Truly he is an icon of hope and role model for future politicians. Throughout his Vice Presidential duties, His Excellency Aliu Mahama has demonstrated the highest sense of dedication and commitment to the President and the Nation. Alhaji Aliu Mahama’s strength to be a good team player in His Excellency President Kufour’s administration, his humility and love for others have surely served as a benchmark for other African Countries which occasionally experienced conflicts between the President and His Vice President. When some Presidents on the African states are trying to unsettle their Vice Presidents and vice versa, Kufour/Aliu partnership has been the envy of some Governments over the world, that partnership has witnessed an unprecedented infrastructure development and impressive economic growth in Ghana. I will not mince words; Alhaji Aliu Mahama personifies genuine servants of the people and a true voice for the voiceless. .
Alhaji Aliu Mahama will forever be admired by his unselfish attitude. As a politician he has constantly cherish to listen to the problems of Ghanaians irrespective of ones political affiliation. Never has this noble son from the North closes his doors on any individual who seeks his assistance. Alhaji Aliu Mahama’s humane and compassionate posture has truly given a clue that politicians are capable of demonstrating humility and not been arrogant. I have longed held the view that if all Politicians and Managers of our state institutions since independence had maintained unselfish attitude and serve the people to the best of their ability without placing their personal interest above that of Ghanaians this Nation could have been in a different paradigm by now. For me, the Vice President has truly epitomised his Muslim ethics-service to the people is service to Allah. I have a feeling that Alhaji Aliu Mahama believes that when one dies his wealth will not be put into his coffin thus his resolved to help all Ghanaians.
So as Dr.Bawumia is almost certain to be in the new Presidential Palace comes January he must combine his economic prudence with a human-centred approach. Though very young, he must show a fatherly posture to all Ghanaians without discrimination. A humane attitude that disregards wealth and place the interest of the NPP and all Ghanaians above any other interest is pivotal. The hardest test to be faced by any Vice President is when the party activists overwhelmed you with their concern that is when the Aliu Mahama’s attitude will be needed. Dr. Bawumia should try to avoid the situation whereby the party activists and majority of Ghanaians will punch holes in his administration. A Vice President that appreciates the contribution of Ministers and Party Activists and reciprocates a ‘thank you gesture’ is Alhaji Aliu Mahama persona.
Nana Akufo Addo can not persecute his agenda if there are seemingly tension between him and his Vice and therefore at all times for the interest of the Nation and party unity, peace and harmony should reign supreme. That chemistry between the President and the Vice President was perhaps a factor that contributed to the nomination of Dr. Bawumia. Already there is evidence to show that Nana/Bawumia partnership will be the best ever this country has ever witnessed and this goodwill and trust should blossom so that generation unborn will appreciate that truly the NPP government has served this country best. The mixture of political and economic management maturity at the new presidential palace between the duo Nana and Bawumia respectively will surely catapult this country forward.
Come January when Alhaji Aliu Mahama hands over the baton to his fellow Muslim brother Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (this country should be thankful for the NPP that it is the only party that, considering our current circumstances, and desirous to promote religious unity, has always cherish the South cum North partnership). There is every indication that, the humane, compassionate, sympathy for the underprivileged, respect for human rights, avoidance of malpractices., respect for the President and a love for a fellow Ghanaian that Alhaji Aliu Mahama has demonstrated throughout his years in the Castle will serve as a benchmark for Dr. Bawumia and other succeeding Vice Presidents.
“To him that respect and love the party activists will forever be loved”
MARTIN KWANING (LONDON, UK)
