Bawumia makes history First non-Akan to lead NPP; Promises to lead party to break the 8
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia clinched a historic victory in the New Patriotic Party ( NPP) flag bearer election on Saturday, November 4, 2023, when he became the first non-Akan to lead the party in a presidential election.
Besides, he became the first sitting Vice President to be democratically elected as a presidential candidate in Ghana’s history.
In addition, the 118,210 votes polled by the 60-year old economist, representing 61.47% of valid votes cast was , the highest percentage victory for any first time flag bearer contestant.
A grateful Dr Bawumia could not hide his excitement , but in modesty, thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him, while promising to lead the party to break the 8 year election cycle between the NPP and the NDC.
Results
Certified results announced by a Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, Dr Serebour Quaicoe, indicated that Dr Bawumia’s closest contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong polled 71,996 votes representing 37.41%.
In third place was Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto with 1,459 votes representing 0.76% while Francis Addai-Nimoh had 731 votes representing 0.41%.
A total of 193, 346 delegates voted with 900 votes rejected bringing the total valid votes to 192 446.Turn out was 94.63%.
Vision
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have my own vision and my own priorities. Given the opportunity by you and the people of Ghana to lead, I shall govern as my own man with guidance from God almighty.”
“My vision is to build an inclusive food self-sufficient, data-driven and systems-based nation that will fully participate in the global digital revolution to resolve our problems and also usher in a golden age of benefits from our national resources,” he said.
Celebration
The Accra Sports Stadium went agog the results were declared followed by speeches from the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the three losing presidential aspirants and Dr Bawumia.
The crowd of party supporters erupted into jubilation when President Akufo-Addo handed over the symbol of change in party leadership to Dr Bawumia.
Greatest honour
“I stand here with profound gratitude and humility, having received the greatest honour of my life. The victory is not mine but ours, from Bogoso to Bolga, from Axim to Zarantinga, as the party has united and chosen a path to walk in unison,” he said.
Dr Bawumia said he had always worked hard in life and on the historic day of being elected presidential candidate, he had to thank God for how far he has brought him.
Working together
While congratulating his fellow aspirants for participating in the process and deepening the democratic credentials of the NPP, he added. “Their energies, time, engagements, and resources have contributed to energizing the base of the party and prepared us all for the crucial battle of 2024.
“Now let us join together. I am determined to work with all of them and all our supporters to achieve the Party’s ambition of “Breaking the 8’’. That ambition requires the participation of all the aspirants including Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Akoto Afriyie, Boakye Agyarko, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Hon. Joe Ghartey, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Addai Nimo and Kojo Poku.”
