Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on completing his first year in office.
He urged the President to build on the solid foundation inherited from the NPP administration. While wishing him well in discharging his mandate, Dr Bawumia emphasised that the Ghanaian people have bestowed a sacred trust on President Mahama, which he must not let down.
In his 2026 New Year message to Ghanaians, Dr Bawumia further urged the government to continue protecting the peace, stability, and unity of the country diligently, noting that Ghana had always remained a beacon in a region marked by tension and instability.
"The foundation President Mahama inherited was solid in many ways. We must build on it and not let it slip. I say this because this matters more now than ever. You may have heard about the results of the 2025 Global Peace Index. Ghana has dropped 60 places to 61st in the world and from 4th to 7th in Sub-Saharan Africa; they point to growing security worries and pockets of unrest in the country," Dr Bawumia outlined.
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He added that one of Ghana's greatest strengths since the inception of the 4th Republic had been the independence and credibility of the country's democratic institutions.
Dr Bawumia noted that much had happened since the December 7, 2024 elections, and for the past year, the standard of living had not been easy for many Ghanaians.
"Parents have worried about providing for their families, and unemployed young people have wondered when the 24-hour economy will provide them with the promised jobs. Traders, workers, professionals and farmers have all felt the pressure in different ways, notwithstanding the improved macroeconomic stability," he indicated.
He continued, "In the course of the year, we have seen gaping cracks appear. For example, the manner in which Ghana's third female Chief Justice was hounded out of office in fulfilment of a campaign pledge hurt many of us who believe in the independence of the judiciary. Let me stress unequivocally that when institutions are weakened, democracy is weakened."
Dr Bawumia stressed that Ghana's democracy must never be sacrificed for short-term political advantage, noting that many citizens are concerned about national cohesion and the strength of democratic institutions.
"These concerns should not be dismissed when citizens begin to worry about fairness, independence, and consistency. Confidence is affected, and when confidence is shaken, progress becomes harder. I, therefore, respectfully advise President Mahama to focus on strengthening, not undermining the institutions that underpin our democracy," he noted.
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Moreover, Dr Bawumia urged NPP members to strengthen unity as the party prepared for the election of its flagbearer. He emphasised that members may differ in opinion, but must never differ in purpose in winning the next presidential election.
"Our party is founded on the principles of freedom, justice and opportunities for all. These ideals matter more than slogans. It demands unity, discipline and leadership, rooted in selfless service and unquestionable commitment as a family. We may differ in opinions, but we must never differ in purpose. Unity strengthens us, and history will judge us not by how loudly we speak, but by how wisely we choose," he urged.
Dr Bawumia called on party members to rally together and select a leader of integrity, dedication, and a genuine spirit of service.
"It's not about a few people prospering, but about every Ghanaian having a fair chance to succeed. On January 31, we will choose our flagbearer for the 2028 elections, marking the start of our comeback journey," he added.
