The Vice Chairman of the 2024 Bawumia Campaign Team, Nana Akomea says former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia deserves another opportunity to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
While acknowledging the party’s poor performance in the 2024 general election, Nana Akomea admitted that Dr. Bawumia must bear some responsibility — but insists that should not disqualify him from leading the NPP again.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Nana Akomea argued that Dr. Bawumia gave his all during the campaign and deserves a second chance.
“We all worked and supported him to become the presidential candidate through to the general election, and I know the kind of work he did. He toured all 275 constituencies, and I don’t believe any flagbearer has done that,” he said.
“If you don’t work hard, that’s when we say you didn’t perform. But if you give your best and it doesn’t go well, you deserve a second chance,” he added.
The former Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC) also dismissed claims that Dr. Bawumia contributed to the party’s defeat in the 2024 election. Citing the report from the Prof. Mike Oquaye-led review committee, he said the document did not apportion blame to Dr. Bawumia.
His comments come weeks after former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, argued that the NPP does not offer second chances to underperforming candidates. As Dr. Bawumia’s main contender in the 2024 NPP presidential primaries, Kennedy insisted that the party traditionally supports candidates with strong electoral results.
Dr. Bawumia lost the 2024 election to President Mahama, who secured an overwhelming 6,328,397 votes (56.55%) compared to Dr. Bawumia’s 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) not only reclaimed the presidency but also won a commanding majority in Parliament, capturing over 180 seats, including several traditional NPP strongholds.
Since the defeat, the NPP has largely attributed its loss to voter apathy and low turnout among its support base.
Nana Akomea’s appeal adds to the growing internal debate over the party’s leadership direction ahead of the next electoral cycle.