Bawumia: I Told Nana Addo I Was Ready to Quit Politics If Religion or Tribe Caused NPP’s 2024 Defeat

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has spoken about a personal promise he made after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the 2024 general elections to John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking during a campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia revealed that he had a frank conversation with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo following the defeat.

According to him, he made it clear that if his religion or tribal background was identified as the reason for the party’s loss, he would step aside from politics permanently.

“When the Mike Ocquaye committee was formed to investigate our defeat, I told Nana Akufo-Addo that if the report showed that being a Muslim or coming from my tribe caused the NPP to lose, I would not run for office again. I was prepared to make that sacrifice for the sake of the party,” Bawumia disclosed.

He explained that his political ambition was never more important than the collective interest of the NPP. For that reason, he was ready to give up his dream of becoming president if it meant safeguarding the unity and progress of the party.

The former Vice President stressed that the findings of the Prof. Mike Ocquaye committee proved otherwise. The internal party report, which was later leaked, showed that economic challenges, voter apathy, and public dissatisfaction were the main reasons for the loss, not his Muslim faith or ethnic background.

Dr. Bawumia therefore rejected claims from critics who have insisted that his religion and ethnicity contributed to the party’s defeat. He urged party members and Ghanaians to move away from such narratives, describing them as divisive and misleading.

The committee, chaired by Prof. Mike Ocquaye and supported by senior party figures like Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, presented its report to the NPP’s national council in April 2025.

While the full details have not been officially released, leaked portions suggest that Ghana’s economic struggles, inflation, and frustration among the youth were key reasons voters shifted towards Mahama and the NDC.

Despite the setback, Dr. Bawumia has begun outlining his vision for Ghana as he seeks to lead the NPP in the 2028 elections.

One of his major proposals is to establish a duty-free zone in every regional capital, aimed at boosting trade and reducing costs for businesses.