Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a medical doctor and former NPP presidential aspirant, has expressed disappointment and frustration with former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent comments. Dr. Bawumia’s apparent distancing from the policies of the previous Akufo-Addo administration has sparked controversy, with Dr. Kennedy accusing him of being “unprincipled and ungrateful.”
Dr. Kennedy believes that Dr. Bawumia’s comments are a thinly veiled attempt to shift blame onto former President Akufo-Addo. “Dr. Bawumia, in effect, is going after the former president for reasons that look quite obvious,” Dr. Kennedy stated, suggesting that this move will only “cause disaffection” within the party.
As Vice President for eight years, Dr. Bawumia’s influence on the administration’s policies cannot be overstated. Dr. Kennedy questioned the logic behind Dr. Bawumia’s claims of having had no influence, citing his touted role as the most influential and consequential vice president in Ghana’s history.
“You cannot be touted by the likes of Osafo-Maafo as the most influential and consequential vice president in our history… and then when we finally lose an election, [you] turn around and pretend you never had any influence,” Dr. Kennedy argued.
Dr. Kennedy also highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s silence on key issues during his tenure, including corruption and human rights abuses.
“Did Dr. Bawumia ever speak in cabinet against the cathedral? Did he ever condemn corruption? I mean, did he ever raise his voice against what happened to Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong, etc.?” Dr. Kennedy asked.
Dr. Kennedy alleged that Dr. Bawumia’s recent criticisms are motivated by his realization that former President Akufo-Addo has decided to support another candidate for the NPP’s 2028 flagbearer position.
“You can’t sit there for eight years as vice president and enjoy all the privileges, and then as soon as you realize that the man [Akufo-Addo] has changed his mind [on your candidature], all of a sudden discover all his faults,” Dr. Kennedy said.
Dr. Kennedy emphasized the importance of accountability in politics saying”After all, when you join a ticket, you do not hand over your conscience. You’re still accountable for your decisions,”.