Labourer, Taxi Driver, and Hustler: Bawumia shares humble beginnings to inspire the youth

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has shared his difficult past with the youth of the country to inspire them that "nothing is impossible."

Addressing the youth of Ghana in a special televised event from the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra on November 3, 2024, Dr Bawumia recalled his humble beginnings in Tamale at Sakasaka Primary and Tamale Secondary School, as well as his struggles on the street as a taxi driver to support his education while studying at universities in the UK and Canada.

"I attended Sakasaka Primary School in Tamale, Tamale Secondary School, Buckingham University in the UK for my first degree, Oxford University for my master's, and Simon Fraser University in Canada for my PhD," Dr. Bawumia said before adding that he understands what it is for young people to struggle because he has been there before.

"I know what it is to be unemployed. I have been a farmer, a taxi driver, a cleaner, a teacher, a technocrat, a banker, a running mate, a vice president, a father, and a husband," he added.

The Vice President said that as a student back in Tamale, he had to work on the farm during holidays to get some money, and as a student abroad, in both the UK and Canada, he was a taxi driver and a cleaner because he had to do that to be able to support himself.

Post-education, Dr. Bawumia also shared how, as both a technocrat and now politician, he has come to realize even more the challenges Ghanaians face and how he is eager to serve the country as president to make a difference.

"As a technocrat, I worked at the Bank of Ghana, rising to become Deputy Governor, before entering politics as Nana Akufo-Addo's running mate in 2008. As Vice President during the period that the world faced its worst global health pandemic in modern history and the worst cost of living crisis since the Great Depression of 1933, I believe I have gone inside the oven and come out baked and ready to take over and lead to solve."

"I know, firsthand, the untold hardships Ghanaians have had to endure, and I know what to do and what not to do in order to protect the gains we are making and to go on to build, with urgency, on them."

Dr. Bawumia added that as a political leader, politics offers him a unique opportunity to make a difference if given the opportunity as president, assuring that he is willing, eager, and prepared to do that.

"I opted for politics because I knew and even believe now more than ever that politics is a most powerful tool for a greater good but only if in the hands of a leader who means well, knows how, and has what it takes to make a difference."

"I know I have the character, the experience, the vision, and the policies to address the concerns of young people, and it is for this reason that I asked to have this conversation with you today."

"Over this year alone, through my Youth Connect and other forums across the country, I have engaged with you, the youth, and listened to your fears, concerns, and aspirations. And I have been inspired by the ingenuity and the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian youth.

"When I say to you today that your concerns and aspirations are my top priority items, I mean it from every sinew of my body. Indeed, I have been consistent right from the onset in making the destiny of the youth of Ghana my utmost priority."

TWI NEWS