The Dilemma of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Abanga Abdulai: Leaders who prioritize party property over people’s lives

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, who doubles as the vice president, and Hon. Abdullai Abanga, the MP for Binduri, find themselves at a critical juncture as a result of their actions or inactions, where their actions have starkly illuminated their priorities. While the people they aim to lead suffer unimaginable losses, their focus seems to be on party property rather than the lives of those they wish to govern.

The Agony of Kusaug:

In recent times, the people of Kusaug have endured a tragic series of attacks. Families were left grieving as their loved ones were brutally murdered by both the military and unknown gunmen. The military's killings and brutalities meted out to Kusaug in Bawku and its environs are still fresh in our minds. The military brutalities against the good people of Garu and Bugre are indelible

marks that cannot be erased easily. The murder and attempted murder of the sons of Binduri can also be counted.

The destruction of people's properties in Bazua and Atuba markets cannot

be swept under the rug. One would expect leaders like Dr. Bawumia and Hon. Abanga to show empathy, condemn the violence, and stand in solidarity with the grieving families. Unfortunately, his actions, or lack thereof, have been nothing short of disappointing.

The priority of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia:

Rather than visiting the bereaved families or publicly condemning these heinous acts, Dr. Bawumia chose to visit his party chairman in Binduri after his car was burned by unknown gunmen. In a display of misplaced priorities, he not only gave the chairman money but also promised him a new car. This act of generosity towards party property, while ignoring the plight of the Kusaug people, raises serious questions about his leadership and commitment to the well-being of the populace.

Leadership is much more than just political allegiance or material possessions; it is about compassion, empathy, and prioritizing the lives of citizens above all else. Dr. Bawumia's actions suggest a troubling detachment from these fundamental values. His refusal to address the pain and suffering of the Kusaug people, while quickly moving to replace a party chairman’s car, speaks volumes about where his loyalties lie.

As the flagbearer of the NPP and the vice president, for that matter, Dr. Bawumia should have been the first to condemn such violence and offer solace to the affected families. Instead, his actions have shown a concerning indifference to human life. This approach not only undermines his leadership but also alienates the very people he seeks to lead.

The priority of Hon Abanga Abdullai:

Anybody in Binduri who thought Hon. Abanga would change from his old ways after becoming a member of parliament has been served with a “showdown in little Binduri.” A lot of us are, however, not surprised by the actions and inactions of Hon. Abdullai Abanga. He is noted to be someone with a troubling history of violence against his own constituents. When he served as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bawku, he notoriously used state security forces to beat, kill, and maim innocent residents of Binduri.

Since assuming office as the MP of Binduri in 2021, his silence on the escalating insecurity in the constituency has been deafening. As violence and lawlessness engulfed Binduri, with people being killed and properties destroyed, the MP remained disturbingly silent through it all. But all of a sudden, following the burning of his party chairman's car, he had the nerves to

bring in the regional minister, all the security apparatus, and media men to the chairman's residence, where he hastily pointed fingers at the NDC, and the security was given a 24-hour ultimatum to get the perpetrators arrested.

Yet, when ordinary citizens of Binduri are attacked, he remains conspicuously silent. The intimidation and brutality masterminded by Hon. Abanga Abdullai using state security. It is disturbing to learn of the subsequent actions by security operatives, who, under the MP's influence, have invited NDC members and media personnel for questioning. This is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence those who dare to speak out against his abuses.

He did not stop at just accusing NDC and inviting members for questioning; he has gone ahead to mastermind attacks on some NDC members. In the early hours of August 12, 2024, Mr. Azimbe John, a known NDC member, was beaten and molested mercilessly by over fifty military personnel who invaded his home while he was asleep. Mr. Azimbe is currently battling for his life at the Vine Yard Hospital in Bawku, while the military is still waiting to arrest him if he recovers.

We call on all well-meaning citizens, human rights organizations, and the international community to condemn these atrocities and hold the MP accountable for his role in perpetuating violence and insecurity in Binduri.

The way forward:

In these trying times, the people of Ghana, and for that matter, Kusaug, deserve a leader who will prioritize their lives and well-being. Dr. Bawumia’s apparent neglect of the Kusaug tragedy in favor of party property leaves us questioning his capacity to lead with the empathy and integrity that the office demands. The time has come for the people of Binduri to rise up and demand justice. We must ensure that those who have abused their power and brought suffering to our community are held accountable and that peace and security are restored in

our beloved constituency.

Conclusion:

In times of immense grief and suffering, a true leader stands with the people, offering solace and support. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's and Hon. Abanga Abdullai's choice to prioritize party property over the lives of the Kusaug people is a stark reminder of how they undervalue the people of Kusaug. The heartache of the grieving families is empathy and action, not neglect. As both aspire to lead, they must reflect deeply on these choices and realign their priorities to

truly honor and serve the people they wish to govern. In the end, leadership is measured not by words but by deeds and the compassion shown to those in their darkest hours.