The Upper East Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Ayinbisa Ayamga, says Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s experience, integrity and vision make him the party’s strongest asset heading into the 2028 general election.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East show following the NPP’s Jan. 31 presidential primary, Ayinbisa expressed confidence in Bawumia’s leadership, saying he has “no doubt about the credibility, knowledge base and vision” of the former vice president, who has been re-elected as the party’s flagbearer.
Ayinbisa argued that Bawumia’s previous electoral defeat should not be used to disqualify him, contrasting his situation with that of former President John Mahama. He noted that Mahama lost the 2016 election as a sitting president yet was subsequently re-nominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for later elections.
“Bawumia was not a sitting president; he was a vice president,” Ayinbisa said, stressing what he described as a key difference in political accountability and electoral expectations.
He also rejected suggestions that Bawumia lacks credibility, saying no criminal allegations have been successfully brought against him despite years in high office. “He is not covered by presidential immunity, yet nobody has proven any wrongdoing,” Ayinbisa said, portraying Bawumia as a leader with integrity.
On the economy, Ayinbisa linked Bawumia to what he described as strong performance during the NPP’s first term in office from 2017 to 2019. He said Ghana received international recognition during that period and was at one point described as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. He attributed later economic difficulties to global shocks, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that even advanced economies struggled.
Ayinbisa maintained that some current economic gains stem from policies initiated under the previous NPP administration, including debt restructuring efforts under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). He said such measures contributed to a reduction in Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio.
He further described Bawumia as “humble,” “experienced” and forward-looking, saying he has the temperament and foresight needed to lead the country. According to Ayinbisa, the NDC sees Bawumia as a formidable opponent, which he said explains frequent criticism of him on social media and in political discourse.
On party unity, Ayinbisa said Bawumia has already begun reconciliation efforts within the NPP following the primary. He cited Bawumia’s acceptance speech and early engagements with party figures as signs of an inclusive approach.
“He has said the elections are over and now is the time to come together and build the party,” Ayinbisa said. He added that Bawumia plans to reach out to former contenders, party elders, grassroots supporters and young people who may feel sidelined.
Ayinbisa said the party’s early selection of a flagbearer gives the NPP nearly three years to consolidate and heal internal divisions ahead of 2028. “The only thing that can stop us from winning is disunity,” he said, expressing optimism that the party would present a united front well before the next election cycle.
Source: A1 Radio | 101. Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
