The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has asserted that the people of the Upper West Region will benefit more from his presidency than that of his main challenger, John Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stated that if he is elected for an eight-year term as President, the Upper West Region will experience greater benefits and development, compared to what it would achieve under a four-year term of John Mahama’s presidency.
Addressing a durbar of chiefs at the Wa Naa palace on Monday, July 22, 2024 Dr. Bawumia highlighted the significant powers vested in the President by Article 58 of the GhanaianConstitution and the unique opportunity presented to the North in the upcoming election.
“The nature of our Constitution in Ghana, Article 58, places all power in the hands of the President,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
“It is very, very important when you have an opportunity to become President to take that opportunity to serve this country, because you are in a position to help, to do a lot, to develop the country,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia noted the historic significance of the upcoming election, where both leading candidates hail from the North.
“In this particular election, we in the North face an interesting choice because the two main candidates are both from the North. It is either John Mahama or Dr. Bawumia. We are the two candidates. John Mahama has been President before. Dr. Bawumia has never been President,” he stated.
Reflecting on his tenure as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia expressed pride in his accomplishments, while underscoring the distinction between his role and the presidency.
“The way he has worked as Vice President, many people think he has been President. But he has not been President. He has done a lot of work as Vice President,” he emphasised.
The Vice President then presented a comparative outlook on the potential terms of both candidates.
“Amongst the two of us, one of us can be President for only four years. John Mahama can be President for only four years. Dr. Bawumia, God willing, can be President for eight years,” he pointed out.
Dr. Bawumia urged voters to consider the long-term benefits of his leadership, stating that, “I believe that the North and the Upper West will benefit more from the eight years of a Bawumia presidency than four years of the other option.”
When the presidency leaves the North, it may not come back for a very long time. So, if we have a chance to get the presidency, let us look at somebody who has already done a lot of work and shows that if he is President, he can do more. Let us get it for eight years and help this country.”
Dr. Bawumia made a heartfelt plea for support and prayers. “I am, therefore, pleading that in your prayers and your support, you help me to sit on that seat. Then you know you have your own son in the seat as President of the Republic of Ghana. And I will do everything to support the development of the West. We are already doing a bit. There is going to be a lot more done if you give me the opportunity. And I will continue to come back here time and time again,” he promised.
