One crucial quality of an effective leader is the ability to make sound and decisive decisions. Choosing the right running mate is a significant test of a presidential candidate’s decision-making skills and judgment. In developed countries, this decision is a key factor considered by the electorate when assessing a presidential candidate’s potential governance ability. For instance, in the 2008 U.S. election, John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate was widely seen as a misstep, contributing to his defeat by Barack Obama. Many questioned McCain’s judgment, asking, “What was McCain thinking when he made that choice?”
In Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s selection of Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as his running mate has raised similar concerns. NAPO is known for his contentious remarks, arrogance, public outbursts, and perceived disrespect, making him unpopular among both Ghanaians and his own party members. This decision is puzzling, especially when considering other potential candidates like Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and Irene Naa Torshie Addo, who are seen as more favorable choices.
Dr. Bawumia’s decision to choose NAPO seems influenced by tribal pressures rather than sound judgment. On the day of his unveiling, NAPO’s behavior only reinforced the negative perceptions about him, ignoring advice meant to improve his image and repackage him to garner support for the party in the Ashanti region.This decision casts doubt on Dr. Bawumia’s decision-making ability and judgment, crucial qualities for a potential president. His history as Vice President further supports this concern. Before taking office, Dr. Bawumia promised to solve Ghana’s economic problems, presenting himself as an “Economic Messiah.” However, his decisions as head of the Economic Management Team have led to a dire economic situation, marked by high inflation, corruption, unemployment, a depreciated cedi and widespread public discontent.
Dr. Bawumia’s apparent disregard for pressing national issues, coupled with his campaign promises to address them only if elected, further questions his leadership. Ghana faces its worst economic crisis since independence, and the gap between government officials and the populace continues to widen, fueling national disunity and public discord.
Given these circumstances, Dr. Bawumia had the opportunity to choose a running mate who could help in unifying the country and bringing about the needed change. Instead, he chose NAPO, a figure perceived as arrogant and divisive. Consider his body language on the stage of his unveiling? Reflect on his choice of words “your Nkrumah” and how disrespectful he was and is to Ghanaians considering Ghanaians incapable of knowing what is good and what is bad hence describing the dire current situation in Ghana as better than all previous governments and with the impudence, defending this behavior a day or so after this event that he said the right thing and also insisting on it in a “qualified apology” he subsequently rendered.
In conclusion, policy formulation and implementation, essential for national development, rely heavily on decision-making. Dr. Bawumia’s track record suggests he lacks the judgment needed to be a good presidential candidate. Ghana’s current economic woes are a testament to his ineffective leadership in the NPP administration. To reverse the country’s decline, Ghanaians need an effective leader with a good vision and decision-making skills. Available evidence casts doubt on Dr. Bawumia’s suitability for the presidency. He is primarily responsible for NAPO,s conduct on that sad day. Let us not be fooled again with his usual gargantuan promises and sloganeering!
May God bless the people of Ghana and bless Ghana.
Thomas Elleamo Yankey (a.k.a Nobody),
International Relations Consultant,
Atlanta, U.S.A
