A member of the Communications Team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hamza Suhuyini, has stated that while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), may be the most capable figure to lead and unify his party, he lacks the competence to govern the country.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, August 27, Mr. Suhuyini commended Dr. Bawumia for his calm demeanor, measured temperament, and unifying appeal, which he believes position him above other NPP contenders such as Kennedy Agyapong and Bryan Acheampong in the upcoming flagbearership race.
“In all honesty, Dr. Bawumia stands tall. His temperament is good, not unduly aggressive, calm and collected. His focus on the bigger picture of providing leadership within the New Patriotic Party is commendable. I do not doubt that at the end of the day the delegates are likely to give their mandate to him,” Mr. Suhuyini remarked.
He, however, drew a sharp line between Dr. Bawumia’s ability to lead his party and his capacity to lead Ghana. According to him, the former Vice President’s economic track record disqualifies him from being entrusted with the nation’s highest office.
“As to whether he is best suited to lead the country, that is where I disagree, because I have seen his track record, and sometimes I ask myself what exactly Dr. Bawumia wants to come and do. He could not manage the economy as Vice President. When it comes to leading his party, he stands tall. But it is not Dr. Bawumia who would secure them the presidency,” he argued.
Mr. Suhuyini pointed to what he described as Ghana’s economic decline under Dr. Bawumia’s watch as Head of the Economic Management Team, noting the cedi’s persistent depreciation, rising inflation, and the country’s eventual resort to an IMF bailout as evidence of failed leadership. He suggested that Ghanaians would be skeptical of entrusting the presidency to someone who had already “exhausted his credibility on economic management.”
The NPP is scheduled to elect its flagbearer on January 31, 2026. Dr. Bawumia, who led the party into the 2024 elections but lost to former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC, is widely tipped as the front-runner in the upcoming primaries. He faces stiff competition from outspoken Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, and other party stalwarts.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia’s camp has rejected criticisms of his record. Miracles Aboagye, a spokesperson for the former Vice President, has insisted that Bawumia remains the NPP’s “fastest route back to power.” According to him, the party’s performance in the 2024 polls—despite being in government for eight years—was more competitive than any first-time candidate could have achieved.
“Dr. Bawumia has already built a strong electoral base for the NPP. His popularity across regions, his temperament, and his vision for digital transformation make him the most viable candidate to lead us to victory in 2028,” Mr. Aboagye said.
Political analysts note that while Dr. Bawumia enjoys overwhelming support among NPP delegates, his ability to win back the trust of the broader electorate particularly on economic issues remains the key question as the party prepares for its internal contest.
