By:Kenneth Appiah Bani
Former Vice-President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed strong optimism that the party is poised to reclaim power in the 2028 general election.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF) in the United Kingdom, as part of his post-election “Thank You” tour, Dr. Bawumia highlighted Ghana’s political history and current trends as indicators of a potential NPP comeback.
“I believe that in 2028, the NPP is going to come back into government,” he stated confidently. “There are a few reasons why I am so convinced about this.”
Dr. Bawumia noted that historically, first time presidential candidates in Ghana have often struggled to secure victory. This trend, he argued, could work to the NPP’s advantage in the next election, especially as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will be expected to field a new candidate following the tenure of former President John Dramani Mahama.
“If you look at our political history, it suggests that it is difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana,” he explained. “I don’t know why that is, but Ghanaians want you to come more than once.”
He traced a pattern from previous elections: “John Agyekum Kufuor came back in 2000 after losing in 1996. President John Mills ran in 2000 and 2004 before winning in 2008. Nana Akufo-Addo also had to contest three times before his victory. Mahama’s win in 2012 was exceptional.”
Reflecting on the 2012 election, Dr. Bawumia recalled: “Our whole strategy was to face President Mills. Unfortunately, he passed away, and the NDC switched to Mahama. They rode on the wave of national mourning to victory. It was difficult for us to even campaign properly it would have looked insensitive.”
According to him, the NDC’s recent victory in 2024 was more a result of circumstance than strength. “The NDC has used Mahama again and again, but in 2028, they will have to bring a new candidate. All things being equal, we will have the upper hand.”
Dr. Bawumia also criticized the NDC’s track record in government, suggesting it would undermine their credibility in future elections.
“In opposition, they made a lot of promises. But governing is different. You can’t do propaganda when you’re in government it’s much easier when you’re in opposition.”
He cited the NDC’s unfulfilled pledges, including raising the cocoa price from GH¢3,100 to GH¢7,000 and ending illegal mining (galamsey), which he said has instead worsened.
Dr. Bawumia was particularly critical of the NDC’s flagship policy the proposed 24-hour economy.
“This is their flagship promise. But it didn’t even appear in their budget. And how do you implement a 24 hour economy when there’s still dumsor?” he questioned.
He also took the opportunity of his visit to Europe to connect with Ghanaians in the diaspora and strengthen the NPP’s global base. As part of his 2025 IDU and Cambridge Africa Business Conference tour, Dr. Bawumia met with the NPP Belgium branch, energized the UK Young Executive Forum, and inspired change at the NPP UK Annual General Meeting.
Dr. Bawumia’s engagements in Belgium and the United Kingdom were marked by emotional scenes, as he motivated youth and diaspora leaders with a compelling message of hope, unity, and strategic renewal. His outreach underscored a broader vision of inclusion and readiness as the NPP positions itself for a strong comeback.
Wrapping up, the former Vice-President called on party supporters to remain hopeful and energized for the road ahead.
“I believe we are in a very good position to win the 2028 election. Let’s stay enthusiastic and united. I’m counting on all of your support,” he concluded.
