Former President John Agyekum Kufuor recently addressed criticisms regarding his endorsement of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate for the 2024 general elections. In his response, Kufuor remarked that experience and wisdom are often linked to age, suggesting that his decision to back Bawumia, a younger candidate, was grounded in his assessment of the party and the country’s future leadership.
Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia has sparked some controversy, with critics questioning his decision, particularly given his prominent role in NPP politics. However, Kufuor’s comment underscores the idea that leadership choices should be forward-thinking and not solely based on age or tradition. He seemed to defend his stance by emphasising that age can bring wisdom, but it should not be the only determining factor in selecting leaders, especially when considering the country’s future direction.
The former president’s endorsement appears to reflect his belief in Bawumia’s capabilities and his vision for Ghana, despite the pushback from some factions within the party.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential bid has sparked significant debate within political circles, especially following reactions from various key figures, including Alan Kyerematen, the former Trade Minister who has now become the Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change.
Addressing his critics during a mini rally in Abuakwa South on Wednesday, November 27th, Kufuor responded to the backlash, passionately defending his choice to support Bawumia. He emphasized that his decision was rooted in a deep conviction about the qualities Bawumia brings to the table, particularly his potential to lead Ghana into a prosperous future. Kufuor also made a point to stress that experience and wisdom, often associated with age, should not be the sole determinant in leadership decisions. His statement reflected his broader view that while age can bring wisdom, the energy, vision, and capability of younger leaders like Bawumia should be given equal consideration.
This defence comes amidst growing tensions within the NPP, with Kyerematen’s faction expressing disappointment at Kufuor’s endorsement. Kyerematen, a former presidential aspirant, left the NPP to form the Movement for Change, signalling his intent to continue in politics independently. Kufuor’s comments underline his belief that Bawumia’s leadership could provide a dynamic path forward for the party and the nation, regardless of the differing views within the NPP. In his remarks on November 27th, former President John Agyekum Kufuor emphasized the importance of experience and wisdom in leadership, asserting that these qualities are often linked to age. He highlighted how such attributes can be crucial in navigating a nation through challenges, particularly in times of uncertainty or transition. Kufuor argued that his endorsement of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, was not only a decision informed by these qualities but also based on Bawumia’s proven track record and vision for the future of Ghana.
The former president dismissed the criticisms surrounding his endorsement as unwarranted. He underscored that his decision was made after careful deliberation, considering Bawumia’s capabilities, leadership potential, and ability to steer the country towards progress. Kufuor expressed confidence in Bawumia’s leadership, suggesting that the younger candidate’s qualifications and direction for Ghana were deserving of support, regardless of his age.
By defending his endorsement, Kufuor reaffirmed his belief that leadership choices should be based on a holistic assessment of a candidate’s skills and vision, not merely their age or political history.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor emphasized the importance of electing a leader who is capable of continuing Ghana’s progress and ensuring the nation’s advancement. In his response to critics over his endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, he stressed that the focus should be on national development and stability, rather than personal disagreements or partisan differences.
Kufuor acknowledged that criticisms are a natural part of political discourse, particularly given his position as a statesman. However, he maintained that respecting divergent opinions within the democratic process is essential for a thriving democracy. He expressed the view that although he was facing criticism for sharing his opinions on national issues, his long-standing experience and wisdom—often associated with age—were key factors in his decision-making process.
By making this statement, Kufuor reaffirmed that his endorsement was not driven by personal interests but by a genuine concern for the future of the country. He called for unity and constructive dialogue, urging Ghanaians to prioritize the nation’s collective progress over individual or political differences.
In his response to critics, former President John Agyekum Kufuor highlighted his deep connection to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which he described as his political affiliation and the platform through which he achieved the presidency. Kufuor emphasized that the party has played a key role in both his own political journey and in the rise of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he referred to as his “child” in a figurative sense, given their close relationship within the NPP.
Kufuor further defended his endorsement of Bawumia by recalling his performance during his administration. He noted that Bawumia was part of the team at the Bank of Ghana and played a significant role in managing the country’s finances during a challenging period of economic distress. According to Kufuor, Bawumia’s efforts, alongside other key figures, were instrumental in revitalizing Ghana’s economy during that time of financial hardship. This historical context served to underline Bawumia’s capabilities and track record, reinforcing Kufuor’s confidence in his ability to lead the country forward.
By invoking these past achievements, Kufuor sought to provide a strong rationale for his endorsement, framing it as a decision based on Bawumia’s proven competence and leadership qualities. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential race has sparked considerable debate, especially as Kufuor continues to defend his decision. In his remarks, Kufuor highlighted his longstanding ties to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a party he credited as the vehicle through which he reached the presidency. He expressed pride in the NPP, emphasizing that his political affiliation with the party was pivotal not just to his own political career, but also to the rise of Dr. Bawumia, who is a prominent figure within the party.
Kufuor referred to Bawumia as his “child” in the political sense, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two and the continuity within the party. He further underscored the significance of Bawumia’s contributions to Ghana, particularly during a critical period in the country’s history when he served at the Bank of Ghana.
In his comments, Kufuor reminisced about the difficult financial challenges that Ghana faced during his presidency, particularly around the time of the 2007/2008 financial crisis, when the country was facing significant economic difficulties. Bawumia, as part of the Bank of Ghana team, was instrumental in navigating these challenges. Kufuor praised Bawumia’s role in the economic recovery efforts, stating that his work contributed significantly to stabilizing Ghana’s economy at a time when the nation was experiencing fiscal strain.
By recalling these accomplishments, Kufuor sought to strengthen his endorsement of Bawumia by illustrating the latter’s competence, leadership skills, and track record. This historical context served as a powerful justification for Kufuor’s backing of Bawumia in the 2024 election. He emphasized that Bawumia’s proven performance in the finance sector, especially during Ghana’s financial difficulties, made him well-positioned to lead the country towards further prosperity.
Kufuor also addressed the criticisms he faced, particularly from factions within the NPP and figures like Alan Kyerematen, who have expressed dissatisfaction with Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia. Kufuor dismissed the criticism, explaining that his decision was made after careful consideration of Bawumia’s vision for the country and his proven ability to handle complex economic challenges. Kufuor’s defence of his endorsement also underscored his belief that age, while often associated with wisdom, should not be the sole determining factor in leadership. Instead, he highlighted that the ability to bring about progress and stability should be the priority in choosing Ghana’s next leader.
In summary, Kufuor’s defence of his endorsement of Dr Bawumia focused on the latter’s track record, experience, and potential to lead Ghana. Kufuor dismissed the criticisms as unfounded and stressed the need for respectful dialogue within the democratic process, urging that national development and stability should take precedence over personal and political differences.
