Seasoned New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure Richard Nyamah has declared that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia remains the party’s strongest hope of returning to power in 2028.
Reflecting on the NPP’s 2024 defeat, Nyamah argued that Ghana’s political history and voting behaviour show that Bawumia is the candidate most likely to reclaim power for the party.
“No presidential aspirant in the Fourth Republic has managed to win against an incumbent at the first attempt,” he noted, stressing that leaders like John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and John Mahama all endured multiple contests before securing victory.
According to Nyamah, the Ghanaian electorate subjects candidates to a test of endurance. “The electorate will always take you through storms, fires and brimstone to test your preparedness for the job. If you do not have the temperament, you will automatically fall out,” he said.
Nyamah further pointed to another voting trend; since 1992, every outgoing president has eventually handed power to his main rival from the previous election. By that logic, he argued, Bawumia is well-positioned to succeed John Mahama, since the two faced off in 2024 and Mahama is barred from contesting again in 2028.
Beyond historical trends, Nyamah described Bawumia as the most marketed politician the NPP has produced in recent decades. “He has been on every ticket since 2008, four times as running mate and once as a flagbearer. It won’t cost the party an arm and a leg to sell him,” he wrote.
For Nyamah, Bawumia’s combination of experience in both opposition and government uniquely qualifies him for leadership. He added that the Vice President’s willingness to apologize for his party’s mistakes shows the humility and readiness required to lead Ghana forward.
