Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has drawn a striking parallel between the late former President John Evans Atta-Mills and newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, arguing that Ghana’s politics often rewards loyalty, patience and the gradual building of personal identity.
In a reflective post on X following Dr Bawumia’s victory on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Mr Anyidoho revisited the early political journey of Professor Atta-Mills when he emerged on the national scene as Vice President under former President Jerry John Rawlings.
According to him, Atta-Mills’ discipline and humility were often misunderstood.
“Being loyal did not mean he did not have his own mettle,” Anyidoho wrote, adding that loyalty to a leader who elevates one to high office “is a divinely important thing to do because it comes with strong blessings.”
He noted that many observers misinterpreted Atta-Mills’ calm posture as weakness.
“People misconstrued the humility and loyalty to mean weakness — some labelled him a ‘poodle’,” he recalled.
Anyidoho said tensions also emerged within the NDC when Rawlings endorsed Atta-Mills to lead the party into the 2000 elections, with sections of the party unhappy with the choice.
“Some people within the NDC were obviously not happy… because they said he was an ‘outsider’,” he stated.
In his assessment, Atta-Mills’ defeat in that election was not rooted in voter rejection but in public perception.
“Candidate Atta-Mills lost that election, not because he was rejected, but because he was seen to be in the shadow of President Rawlings,” Anyidoho explained.
With time, he said, the former Vice President built his own political identity and earned the trust of Ghanaians.
“Professor Atta-Mills established his own identity, and Ghanaians warmed up to him; his message of ‘Asomdwe’, humility, love for God and country made it possible for Ghanaians to make him President,” he wrote, adding that Atta-Mills “lived beyond expectation.”
Drawing parallels with present developments, Anyidoho argued that Dr Bawumia’s political journey follows a similar trajectory.
When Professor John Evans Atta-Mills burst onto the political scene as Vice President, he had no option but to be loyal to President JJ Rawlings.
— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) February 1, 2026
Being loyal did not mean he did not have his own mettle: being loyal to your boss (who out of the goodness of his heart picked you… pic.twitter.com/N4XfmVAF6X
“Does DMB’s story not follow the same script; picked by Nana Addo; becomes Vice; remains loyal to his boss; served in humility; endorsed by his boss to lead the NPP; considered to be an ‘outsider’; lost an election; his party elects him as leader again; now has his own identity?” he asked.
He suggested that, like Atta-Mills, Dr Bawumia is gradually stepping out of the shadow of incumbency and crafting a distinct political brand ahead of the next general elections.
Anyidoho concluded that Ghana’s political evolution often follows familiar rhythms.
“History has a very interesting way of repeating itself,” he noted, hinting that the unfolding Bawumia chapter may yet echo the calm, patient rise that once carried Atta-Mills to the presidency.
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