I picked Bawumia as my running mate for his honesty and regional balance – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has shed light on the reasons behind his choice of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate, a decision that has played a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape.

Akufo-Addo explained that Dr. Bawumia was selected for his outstanding qualities of truthfulness, goal orientation, and unwavering commitment to achieving collective objectives.

President Akufo-Addo also underscored the significance of regional balance and unity in Ghana’s leadership, emphasizing, “In terms of the balance, people from the south, people from the north…I think that for the unity of the country, it is good that we have a leadership where Northerners and Southerners are together so that the country can remain united.”

The President made the comments during a recent visit to the Jubilee House, Ghana’s presidential seat, by pupils and teachers of the Association International School on October 26.

Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo commended Dr Bawumia for his honesty and direct communication style, expressing his preference for individuals who speak candidly.

He stated, “He [Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia] is an honest person. He speaks honestly to you. He is not one of those people who you have to guess what they are trying to say, he says what he has to say directly.”

President Akufo-Addo’s decision to choose Dr. Bawumia as his running mate initially raised questions and concerns within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and among political observers, as Dr. Bawumia was not a well-known figure in Ghanaian politics at the time.

Nevertheless, Akufo-Addo stood by his choice, and they contested together in the 2008 and 2012 elections, narrowly missing victory on both occasions to the NDC led by John Evans Atta Mills and John Mahama respectively.

In 2016 and 2020, the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia ticket secured victory, and they have since served as President and Vice President, respectively, for a combined period of six years and ten months.