Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has pointed an accusing finger at what he calls Ghana’s voter bias for his defeat in the 2024 presidential election—suggesting that first-time candidates are routinely rejected by the electorate, regardless of competence or campaign strength.
Speaking to members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF) in London during his ongoing “Thank You Tour,” the former Vice President didn’t mince words about what he views as a structural hurdle within Ghana’s voting behaviour.
“It is usually very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana. I don’t know why, but Ghanaians want you to come more than once,” he told the group.
Voter bias
Citing examples from Ghana’s democratic past, Bawumia argued that the voter bias trend has persisted over the decades.
“Kufuor lost in ’96 and won in 2000. John Mills lost twice before 2008. Akufo-Addo lost twice before finally winning. It’s a very clear pattern.”
He also dismissed former President John Mahama’s 2012 victory as a “one-off,” attributing it to a tragic moment that disoriented the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) strategy.
“Mahama’s win was an aberration. Our whole campaign was against President Mills. When he sadly passed, it threw everything off. NDC turned the campaign into a national mourning. You couldn’t even criticize them without appearing heartless,” Bawumia said bluntly.
He painted a vivid picture of how the emotional wave helped the opposition party ride to victory.
“They were playing funeral songs and putting angels on TV. How do you fight that? We were paralysed.”
Despite the loss, Bawumia admitted that the NPP made strategic missteps in the 2024 election and offered a rare public apology.
“We did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong. And I think that on my behalf, on behalf of the party and the government, I apologise.”
Looking ahead to 2028, Bawumia expressed confidence that the voter bias could turn in NPP’s favor, especially if the NDC is forced to present a new face after years of relying on Mahama.
“They’ve run out of Mahama now. In 2028, it’ll likely be a first-time candidate. That gives us the advantage. I’m very, very optimistic about 2028. I believe the NPP is going to come back into government. I believe so. I believe so,” he added
Dr. Bawumia declared that lessons from the 2024 loss would shape a more resilient campaign and stressed that the NPP have learned where it went wrong and will get it right on a second opportunity.