In 2007, former President John Agyekum Kufuor met Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia under remarkable circumstances. I was privileged to be there. Kufuor had been invited as the Special Guest at a Global Media Alliance event, organized in partnership with the Financial Times of London.
Governor Dr. Paul Acquah, visiting President Kufuor for a routine discussion, was asked to join the meeting and brought along his Special Assistant, Mahamudu Bawumia. At this event, Bawumia delivered a stellar account of the country’s economic challenges and opportunities that caught the eye of President Kufuor and all who were present, from the editor of the Financial Times to the then Global President of Citibank. A few months later, when the position of Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana became vacant, it opened the door for Kufuor to elevate Bawumia to Deputy Governor.
As Deputy Governor, Bawumia’s astute economic understanding made a strong impression. He was instrumental in Ghana’s first compact under the U.S. government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which brought a grant of $537 million to fund infrastructure projects, including the George Bush Highway and agricultural initiatives.
He also worked on the first Eurobond Ghana undertook and the Bui Dam project, among others. Kufuor saw Bawumia as the fresh perspective Ghana needed—a figure with a deep understanding of economics, governance, and development potential.
When Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NPP’s flagbearer and now President, selected Bawumia as his running mate in 2008, it was indeed a big surprise and added to the mystique surrounding Bawumia.
Nana Addo, who had already recognized his qualities, describes him as a “man of integrity and immense capacity.” His humble demeanor, dedication to national service, and intellectual rigor resonated deeply with Akufo-Addo’s vision for Ghana’s future.
Despite defeats in the 2008 and 2012 elections, Akufo-Addo kept Bawumia as his running mate, a testament to his unwavering belief in Bawumia’s character and vision for Ghana. This confidence was a clear signal of faith in Bawumia’s potential to lead the country into a prosperous future.
Why is Bawumia considered the best candidate? Several key factors stand out:
- Strong Economic Background: Bawumia’s academic credentials and professional experience, including his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, have equipped him with a deep understanding of global and local economic systems. His expertise makes him an ideal leader to guide Ghana through modern economic challenges
2. Proven Track Record: As Vice President, Bawumia has led transformative policies, particularly in digitalization, financial inclusion, and infrastructure. His leadership in advancing Ghana’s digital economy, including mobile money platforms, has set the stage for future economic growth.
- A Vision for Ghana’s Future: Bawumia consistently articulates a vision for Ghana’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. His ability to connect with the people, particularly the youth, inspires confidence in Ghana’s future.
- Leadership and Integrity: Throughout his career, Bawumia has shown exceptional integrity, resilience, and dedication. He is regarded as a trustworthy figure committed to the people’s well-being. His values align with the national interest, earning him the respect and trust of Ghanaians.
- Global Perspective: Bawumia’s international experience allows him to engage effectively with global stakeholders, attract investments, and build partnerships to benefit Ghana’s development. His broader worldview positions him to elevate Ghana’s global standing.
- Hardworking and Results-Oriented: Bawumia’s relentless work ethic is one of his standout qualities. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver on the tasks assigned to him by President Akufo-Addo. From spearheading the digitalization agenda to overseeing critical projects, including the rollout of mobile money and financial inclusion programs, Bawumia has proven time and again that he is not only capable of executing complex initiatives but does so with exceptional efficiency. His 33 initiatives—ranging from agriculture to infrastructure—serve as a testament to his tireless commitment to progress. His execution of these projects, paired with his hands-on leadership style, underscores his ability to deliver tangible results and inspire those around him to work towards a shared vision.
Additionally, there is a spiritual dimension to leadership, often understood as being divinely inspired. Great leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and others, rose from humble beginnings or obscurity to lead their nations to greatness. Their leadership was shaped by forces beyond human comprehension. In the same way, Bawumia’s rise in Ghanaian politics seems guided by a higher power—one that has placed him in a pivotal position to lead Ghana toward greatness.
We stand at a threshold similar to that faced by these leaders. Mandela’s journey through struggle and triumph led South Africa to freedom, Gandhi’s vision inspired India to independence, and Bawumia’s leadership promises a prosperous future for Ghana. This is why Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia as a “man of destiny” is an affirmation of his potential to guide Ghana into a new era of greatness.
History is filled with examples of leaders who emerged from obscurity or after setbacks to lead their nations. One iconic example is Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. Nkrumah came from humble beginnings, born in a small village in the Western Region of Ghana. Despite facing challenges and initially being an unknown figure, his intellectual rigor and vision for independence set him apart. Nkrumah led Ghana to independence in 1957 and remains a towering figure in African politics, revered for his role in Ghana’s liberation and influence on the wider African liberation movement.
Similarly, Abraham Lincoln offers another inspiring story. Lincoln faced multiple defeats before becoming the 16th President of the United States. His resilience, determination, and vision for a united nation led him to the White House. As president, Lincoln guided America through the Civil War, ending slavery and leaving a lasting legacy of freedom and equality.
Another example is Winston Churchill, who came from behind to lead the United Kingdom through the dark days of World War II. Initially a controversial figure, Churchill faced political isolation and public criticism. However, when Britain stood on the brink of defeat, Churchill’s leadership secured victory for the Allies. His leadership during the war cemented his place as one of the greatest figures in world history.
These leaders, like Nkrumah, Lincoln, and Churchill, exemplify that great leaders often emerge at pivotal moments in history, sometimes after facing setbacks or from relative obscurity. Their journeys demonstrate that leadership is not just about titles but about vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire nations. This aligns with the belief that leadership may be guided by a higher power, a destiny that transcends personal ambition.
In the same way, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s rise in Ghanaian politics is part of this tradition. His path to leadership is not only the result of his intellectual and political capabilities but also the fulfillment of a greater destiny. As Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia as a “man of destiny” suggests, he is positioned at the helm of Ghana’s future—a future that holds the promise of economic prosperity, development, and national unity. We stand at the threshold of a new chapter, where Bawumia’s leadership could echo the historic journeys of Nkrumah, Lincoln, and Churchill in reshaping the fortunes of Ghana.
By : Ambassador Edward Boateng
The writer is Ghana’s immediate past Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and immediate past Director General of the State Interest and Governance Authority.
