In a few days, we are going to the polls to decide whether we would want a UPGRADE or RESET. Whether we would want FORWARD or BACKWARD THINKING government. Whether we would want LIGHT or DUMSOR. We will have the choice to decide whether we get a NEW VISION or BLURRED VISION for our future. For me, I have decided to choose UPGRADE. To choose a FORWARD-THINKING government. To choose LIGHT that comes with a NEW VISION. I have chosen Dr. Alhaji Mahmadu Bawumia. And here is why I know he is the right choice for us.

1.Character

Dr. Alhaji Mahmadu Bawumia is a man with a virtuous character. He is a man who cares deeply about vulnerable people. He has integrity that has remained unblemished throughout his service to the nation at the Bank of Ghana and as Vice President. There has been no charge of corruption against this man. No level of complaint against his behaviour has been levelled against him by anyone he worked with and for.

Unlike the other, whose President ordered an investigation into his conduct. Who was also named as Government Official One, a complete embarrassment that received international attention. And who, at an international interview, fumbled when asked about his integrity as public officer.

Dr. Bawumia’s character is attested by many revered people. Here are some of them:

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: “I have known you, political power has not changed you, you are still humble, keep being humble.”

Rev Eastwood Anaba: “Bawumia is the most humble man I’ve ever encountered, he’s patience and prudent.”

Dormaahene, Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu II: “Dr. Bawumia, you’re respectful, intelligent, and more striking is the fact that your utterances are devoid of insults and are decent.”

The decency of Dr. Alhaji Mahmadu Bawumia transcends his political position. Throughout his career, he has remained faithful to the ever charming, our soon-to-be first lady, Mrs. Samira Bawumia. This decency is needed at the Presidency to ensure the sanctity of that office is undefiled.

If we want our children, and young people to have good role models to look up to. If we want a leader who knows what it takes to understand the people. If we want a leader who knows what it means to work through crisis. Then, we have no option than to choose Dr. Bawumia come December 7th. We owe it to our generations such decent man in their historical books.

.Unifier

Dr. Mahmadu Bawumia is the man who can unify the country. Usually, people assume his unifying ability is mainly religious. However, this is mistaken. Dr. Mahmadu Bawumia knows how to work with the old and young, the rich and poor, traditional authorities and elites. His upbringing in the town of Walewale, to his education in Tamale, university experience abroad, and his career experience as a teacher, practitioner, and public servant is testament of the representative nature of Dr. Bawumia with the general population of the country. We need a leader whose experiences are reflection of us. His ability to depict this trait is testified by former President Kufour in his recent address to the nation.

We cannot also not look so far. His rise as the flagbearer of the NPP competing with senior party members and dexterically integrating them into his campaign after winning the nod affirms what he would do as President. His campaign team combines the wisdom of the old and the energy of the young. You can check the team if you’re in doubt. Regardless of how religious zealots have mocked his unifying ability because of his pluralistic attitude towards religious groups, he is unrelenting on demonstrating that the Presidency is a representation of all Ghanaians not for any other group. This is the man we ought to have as President. We need such a man for times like this when pluralism is the way to advance progress.

3.Visionary

In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” – Dalai Lama.

Dr. Bawumia embodies the positive vision for the future of Ghana. He started this vision as the Vice President. For several years, previous governments paid lip service to digitalization. But Dr. Bawumia made sure it ended when he took the oath of office as the Vice President. He foresaw that if our future is going to accelerate speedily, we cannot afford to empower generations and our systems by revolutionizing them with digital power. When he began with the digitalization of the medical system, the naysayers with their backward view about life claimed he was spying on the nakedness of married women. We all know this shouldn’t be a surprise since they projected the behaviour of their leader. Today, the drone delivery system has saved lives in many communities especially those in deserted areas. He ended the days when directions needed landmarks with the Ghana Digital Address System. He brought the government of Ghana to the comfort of our homes through the E-Services Portal. The icing is the Ghana Card.

Dr Bawumia knows what it takes for our country to meet the 4th Industrial Revolution. He understands how the world of Artificial Intelligence and Data are important assets for our development as a country. He knows what it means to have these rudimentary infrastructure. He has laid the foundation as Vice-President , what better time do we have than to let him finish the work as our President than come 7th December, 2024.

It is true we have faced crisis following the COVID pandemic, but we can testify the crisis has been managed under the able leadership of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia. This crisis is unprecedented in the history of our country yet they have worked and continue to work against all odds to ensure the country continue work.

I will end by reminding us about THE MAN IN THE ARENA as difficult times came. It is that man who counts. And he is the one we have to believe will be the right choice as President.

Vote number 1.

Vote Dr. Bawumia.

Vote for upgrade.

By: Ekow Vincent Assafuah