The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia moments after his selection as the running mate for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for Election 2020 chose to sarcastically attack the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He appealed to the electorate to give Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP “four more [years] to do more for you [Ghanaians].”
Throwing a subtle jab at the opposition NDC, over what is thought in political circles to be a difficulty in finding a running mate but which the NDC has denied and explained it will outdoor its running mate at the appropriate time, Dr Bawumia said, “It is important to note that my job as a running mate is to support the President in implementing his vision.”
“The best running mate in the world would not make a difference if the president is indecisive or incompetent.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama was in February 2019 elected as the flagbearer of the NDC.
The NDC through its Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi on Friday, June 26, 2020 announced during a radio programme discussion [Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen] said that it will outdoor its running mate in the next few weeks.
Bawumia’s acceptance speech
The National Council of the NPP on Saturday acclaimed President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia as Presidential Candidate and Running Mate respectively for December’s Presidential election, and the official confirmation of their partnership marked a historic landmark in Ghanaian politics, as no pair has ever vied for presidential office on four successive occasions.
Dr Bawumia in his acceptance speech as running mate expressed appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for selecting him for the fourth time as running mate [2008, 2012, 2016, 2020] and indicated that he was thankful that, “in the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I have a strong decisive, incorruptible and competent president to work for.”
He indicated he will wholeheartedly and with all humility accept the nomination, “and I am ready and prepared to serve, I say to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NPP and Ghanaians, that I am reporting to duty as running mate.”
“This day is historic because it has never happened in the history of our country that a Presidential candidate will select the same running mate four times in a row! The president selected me in 2008, 2012, 2016, and now in 2020!”
He said President Akufo-Addo could have settled on other candidates, especially in previous elections, but his consistency underlines his focus and quality as a leader.
Dr Bawumia added:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this (consistency) tells you about the man Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He is a strong leader, a caring leader, a God-fearing leader, a trustworthy leader, and a consistent leader.”
“He could have easily dropped me in 2012 and 2016 but he stuck with me and I am so honoured that he did and so eternally grateful. I would never take the trust and loyalty he has reposed in me for granted and will continue to do everything in my capacity to support him in the execution of his mandate as President. Mr. President, it has been a privilege working for you all these years and I thank you for giving me the opportunity. God Bless you.”
Source: graphic.com.gh
