Electric atmosphere as Bawumia goes through vetting

Scores of supporters of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia turned up at the headquarters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during his vetting on Monday, June 3.

The Vice President was one of three aspirants in the NPP’s presidential race who were vetted on the first day.
The others were John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and Kwadwo Poku.

Electric Atmosphere
The vicinity became electrified when Dr Bawumia’s supporters received information that he was on his way to the office for the vetting. His supporters sang appellations, extolling his achievements and virtues to welcome him.
After the vetting which lasted almost two hours, Dr Bawumia, full of smiles, came out to meet the crowd and show his appreciation. The party office thus came alive until he left around 4:30 p.m.

Vetting Process
The vetting was mainly to ensure that the aspirants met the qualifications as outlined in the 1992 Constitution as well as the party’s criteria. They were vetted by the nine-member Vetting Committee chaired by Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye with Frank Davies, Lord Oblitey Commey, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, Stephen Abankwa Sekyere, Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Rita Talata Asobayire and Adelaide Ahwireng as its members.

The Director of Elections of NPP, Evans Nimako, is the Secretary to the committee while Osei Bonsu Amoah is its spokesperson. Mr Kyerematen was the first to complete his vetting before noon, followed by Mr Poku and then Dr Bawumia.

Clean Campaign
The Vice President during his Greater Regional tour which ended over the weekend emphasised the importance of a clean and respectful campaign as the race for the party’s flagbearership intensifies. With 10 individuals vying for the position, campaigning has grown more fervent, leading to supporters of some candidates resorting to personal attacks against their rivals.

During his final day of the Greater Accra tour, Dr Bawumia addressed party delegates, emphasizing the need for unity within the NPP. He stressed that, as a family, it was crucial for all factions to recognise that a united front is necessary to confront the “main enemy,” which is the NDC.

Dr Bawumia stated: “We must understand that the current campaign is an internal election. Our primary opponent in 2024 is the NDC. As we embark on this campaign, let us refrain from speaking ill of one another.
“We seek peace, a clean campaign, and a fair election. We do not want anyone to engage in attacks against their opponents. After the elections, we will require everyone’s support to tackle the NDC.”

In a demonstration of his commitment to a clean campaign, Dr Bawumia revealed that he has urged his campaign staff and well-wishers to be mindful of their language to uphold party unity.
“I have instructed all my supporters and spokespersons that we must conduct a clean campaign, avoiding any form of insults,” he stated.