As Ghana gears up for December 7th, there’s no denying the fact that despite the solid work Cheddar has put in, the focus is on the two leading candidates: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP and John Dramani Mahama of the NDC.
These two great sons from the Northern part of Ghana bring unique strengths to the table, but a closer examination reveals significant contrasts that could shape the future of our nation.
Indulge me if you may, please.
Let’s start with John Dramani Mahama:
The celebrated Statesman!
John Mahama is a seasoned political figure with an extensive career. He has served as an Assembly Man, MP, Deputy Minister, Minister, Vice President, and President for 4/5 years? Something like that! Infact, he’s been there, done that and more!
Like it or not, this wealth of experience is impressive! However, can Ghana turn a blind eye to the fact that his time in office as President was marred by some “significant challenges”?
Many Ghanaians remember JM’s presidency as one riddled with issues, leading to him being branded as one of the most “incompetent” leaders in Ghana’s history.
The infamous “dumsor” crisis, which resulted in severe power shortages, left many citizens frustrated and disillusioned! Businesses collapsed and people lost their lives and livelihoods. This controversial legacy begs a question; if re-elected, will John Mahama admit his past failures and be motivated to learn from them and maybe, present a renewed vision to reset Ghana?
Or will he just rest on his laurels, having already branded himself, the “dead goat”, but more importantly having already established a significant political career that doesn’t need any more “accolades”?
Then there’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia: The man who was sold to Ghanaians as an Economic Wizkid!
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is making his first run for the top job after serving as Vice President for 8 years. He was hailed as an economic wizkid, and with Ghana’s economy facing severe challenges, could this be his opportunity to redeem himself and prove his capabilities or should he not have been in the race at all?
Bawumia’s candidacy is not just about personal ambition; it’s about restoring faith in the New Patriotic Party; a party that has faced significant criticism in recent years.
The pressure on him to not only salvage his personal brand but also to rekindle the love many Ghanaians once had for the NPP, reminiscent of the pre-2016 elections, cannot be overstated.
We also cannot deny the fact that Dr. Bawumia stands on the brink of history with the potential to become Ghana’s first Muslim President.
This landmark achievement could set a precedent for future candidates and would make his performance a critical yardstick for any Muslim leader who may follow in the not too distant future.
The Stakes are undoubtedly high!
Unlike John Mahama who can only serve a term (his second term) as stated by the constitution, Bawumia requires a full 8-year mandate to truly enact the changes he envisions.
His first term must be EXCEPTIONAL, as he has everything to prove and a legacy to build.
In contrast, John Mahama has little to lose and little to prove, having already served a term. The NDC party has not focused significantly on his ambitious vision for the country, instead promoting a 24-hour economy agenda that even key party members and supporters have struggled to articulate.
So who should Ghana place in the Jubilee House to run our affairs? Who among these two proud sons of the land will be more committed to addressing all our pressing issues.
Will it be John Dramani Mahama, whose past is fraught with controversy and a certain level of public dissatisfaction that seems to have faded under the similar, if not bigger dissatisfaction experienced under Akufo-Addo whose term is done?
Or will it be Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ambitious candidate whose drive to reclaim his party’s reputation and his own legacy, could lead to genuine solutions for our nation’s challenges?
In light of these and more, who do you believe is better suited to lead Ghana into the future?
Will you choose John Mahama, who’s had a shot at the top office before and may not see the need or have the same level of eagerness, desire and penchant to work hard to impress anyone so that he can win 2028, because he does not have and cannot have another term;
Or will you choose Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who aside having the potential to usher in a new era of leadership, will have to slave his backside for Mother Ghana if he wants the slightest opportunity to get anywhere close to securing a victory in 2028?
The latter clearly has everything to lose including the demise and total destruction of the New Patriotic Party should he fail! With stakes so damn high, would you dare fail if you were him?
I can’t say what will influence your choice, and perhaps I haven’t fully captured it in this writing. Whatever your considerations may be, I hope we all vote wisely and choose a true leader for Ghana—one who prioritizes the nation’s needs over personal ambitions, understands our history, recognizes our direction, and leads us with truth, honesty, transparency, fairness, discipline, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
