Despite the limited powers of a vice president in a democracy, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia deserves commendations for performing the roles assigned by the President exceptionally well. This is according to Professor Etse Sikanku, author of "Dr. Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency."
At the book launch in Accra, Prof. Sikanku, who explored the impactful work of Dr. Bawumia as Vice President, stated that Dr. Bawumia, now the flagbearer of the NPP, has transformed the previously dormant role of the office through his advocacy.
"Vice Presidents don't act on their own; they are given specific roles to play, and Dr. Bawumia has played his role exceedingly well," said Prof. Sikanku.
"Even in the US, the Vice President's role was just ceremonial, and many Vice Presidents did not know the extent of government business, and in many instances, they were unaware of what was being discussed, until Walter Mondale, Vice President under Jimmy Carter, changed it," he continued.
"The President is always the focus of media attention. However, the Vice President's Office is just a step away. The institution of the Vice President is as important as the office of the President, but it has largely been reduced to a ceremonial role," said Prof Sikanku at the event.
"He entered the office, took the position and ran with it. He has transformed the office. We see his action, and we see his passion. He has brought dignity to the Office of the Vice President and, to some extent, the Office of the President," he added.
"Bawumia has used his office for social justice and advocacy. He did this by pursuing what he was passionate about. He did this through digitalization, which is pushing the world forward. He has done it in such a way that posterity will be kind to him."
"Dr. Bawumia has done in Ghana what Walter Mondale did in the US for the office of the Vice President."
The book concludes that Dr. Bawumia is Ghana's most impactful and transformational Vice President, considering the values he upholds.
KOD