John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana’s former President, has responded to critics who had issues with his endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 general elections.
Kufuor says it is only reasonable that he supports a candidate representing the party through which he had the opportunity to serve as President.
The former President, after calling on Ghanaians to choose Bawumia as the next president with the wherewithal to take Ghana out of its current economic turmoil, was criticised by many who think the statesman should have kept quiet and monitor events to unfold on their own.
According to them, the current economic situation is the worst the nation has ever experienced, with Vice President Bawumia being at the fulcrum of the challenges without professing any solution to curb the challenges.
Keenly amongst the critics was Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, a former member of the party who resigned to contest the 2024 election as independent candidate.
In his response, the former President, speaking at a mini rally in the Abuakwa South constituency Wednesday, November 27, 2024, said he finds nothing wrong with endorsing the candidate from the party he is a member of.
Kufuor said that wisdom and leadership are values that come with old age, reemphasising their contribution in navigating a country through tough times.
He remarked that his endorsement of the Vice President came after a careful consideration of Bawumia’s track record and vision for Ghana.
The statesman admonished that Ghanaians elect a candidate who possesses the capacity to ensure the nation’s progress is safeguarded.
He also emphasised on the need to respect divergent opinions as a vital composition of democracy.
He noted that while criticisms are part of political discourse, the ultimate goal should be to prioritise the nation’s development and stability over personal disagreements.
“I am facing criticism for voicing my opinions on national matters due to my position as a statesman. Experience and wisdom are often associated with age.
“The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is my political affiliation, and it was through this party that I attained the presidency. Additionally, my child, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been elected through the party.
“During my administration, he was a member of the Bank of Ghana team and demonstrated remarkable performance during a challenging period when Ghana was in financial distress. Their efforts were instrumental in revitalizing the economy at that time,” Kufuor said.
Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia has created a ‘big blot’ on his political career – Alan Kyerematen
