A massive political movement, known as the Crusaders for Bawumia, is set to launch in the Upper West Region to drum up support for the presidential candidacy of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Candidate for the 2024 general elections.
The movement, according to its Upper West Regional Convener, Mr Suleman Mohammed alias Kweku Baako, aims to galvanize voters in the region to support Dr Bawumia’s bid as the NPP works towards retaining power in the upcoming elections.
He said the Crusaders for Bawumia is positioning itself as a grassroots initiative, targeting voters across all sectors of society to promote the achievements of the NPP-led government over the past eight years.
With Dr Bawumia as the face of their campaign, Mr Mohammed said the movement will highlight his vision for Ghana, focusing on economic development, digital transformation, infrastructure improvements, and social interventions initiated by the NPP government.
The launch of the movement is slated for September 29, 2024, in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region, with key political figures expected to be in attendance.
NPP’s Position on the Ballot: The Twist
In an interesting twist, during the recent balloting by the Electoral Commission (EC), the NPP was placed at number 1 on the ballot, while their main rivals, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former president John Dramani Mahama, were positioned at number 8.
The NPP has long rallied behind the slogan “Break the 8,” a reference to their goal of breaking the historical cycle in which no political party in Ghana has governed for more than two consecutive terms in the Fourth Republic.
The coincidence of the NPP being number 1 on the ballot and the NDC taking number 8 has sparked intrigue among political commentators and party supporters.
For NPP supporters, this ballot position reinforces their narrative of achieving a third term in government, symbolizing their aspiration to "break the 8" by positioning themselves as the number 1 choice for Ghanaians in the 2024 elections.
NPP Assumed Office in 2017: The Legacy
Over the past eight years, the NPP under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has introduced numerous programs and policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
The government has made significant strides in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and economic management.
The Free Senior High School (SHS) policy remains one of the NPP’s most notable achievements, providing free secondary education to over 1.2 million students.
This policy has expanded access to education for many young Ghanaians who would have otherwise been unable to afford it, helping to reduce inequality and bridge educational gaps across the country.
In terms of healthcare, the NPP government has overseen the construction and upgrading of health facilities across the country, including the Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to build 111 district and regional hospitals to ensure every district has access to modern healthcare facilities.
Dr. Bawumia, in his capacity as Vice President, has been a key advocate for the digitization of Ghana’s economy.
His leadership in driving digital transformation has led to significant advancements, including the implementation of the National Digital Property Addressing System, the digitization of passport services, and the introduction of mobile money interoperability.
These initiatives, in many ways, have enhanced efficiency, reduced corruption, and increased financial inclusion in Ghana.
On the economic front, the NPP government has implemented policies to stabilize the economy, such as reducing inflation and introducing social interventions like the Planting for Food and Jobs program, which has supported farmers across the country.
Despite global economic challenges, the government has remained focused on promoting agricultural productivity, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Bold Solutions for the Future
Dr. Bawumia, following his election as the Presidential Candidate of the governing NPP, did not waste any further time in opening up to the Ghanaian people with his vision for the country, what he termed Bold Solutions for the Future.
He believes that Ghana, now more than ever, needs a true visionary leader to solve her problems and lead the country to the promised land of economic prosperity, making the firm statement, "To lead is to solve."
Dr Bawumia's Bold Solutions for the Future is centred on leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic transformation, tackle unemployment, and build a more inclusive society, positioning Ghana as a leader in digital advancement and sustainable development.
United Front for the Future: The Crusaders
The Crusaders for Bawumia movement plans to mobilize citizens across the Upper West Region to recognize and support the NPP’s vision for the future, under the leadership of Dr. Bawumia.
As the NPP looks to extend its time in office, Dr Bawumia’s campaign is expected to focus on consolidating the gains made under the Akufo-Addo administration while addressing ongoing challenges such as unemployment and economic recovery.
The launch of the movement is expected to attract supporters, party members, and key regional figures who believe in the leadership and economic management prowess of Dr Bawumia.
The Convener, Mr Mohammed expressed optimism that the Crusaders for Bawumia will play a pivotal role in securing a decisive victory for the NPP in the 2024 elections.
As Ghana heads into a critical election year, the political landscape continues to heat up, with both the NPP and NDC working to convince Ghanaians that they are best positioned to lead the country into the future.
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