Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has broken his silence on recent developments in the country, expressing deep concerns over what he describes as troubling actions by the government of President John Mahama.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Bawumia warned that the dismissal of workers, attacks on journalists, and military raids on former government officials risk eroding Ghana’s democratic gains.
Dr. Bawumia, who conceded defeat after the 2024 elections and urged national unity, stated that his decision to speak out was necessitated by the alarming actions of the new administration.
According to him, despite the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaigning on a promise to create jobs, it has instead embarked on a wave of dismissals targeting individuals employed during the previous government’s tenure.
He criticized the termination of appointments of public servants, including directors, security personnel, nurses, and teachers, based purely on their perceived political affiliations rather than their competence.
“This is ironic,” Dr. Bawumia said, “that a party which campaigned on the wings of jobs for all Ghanaians is arbitrarily dismissing the same Ghanaians, rendering them jobless.”
Beyond the job losses, Dr. Bawumia also highlighted a growing climate of fear in the country, citing attacks on journalists, military raids on homes of former government officials, and mob violence against individuals and state institutions.
He likened the situation to a military takeover rather than a peaceful democratic transition and called on President Mahama to urgently address these developments.
“These are certainly worrying times for our democracy, and the earlier action is taken to protect institutions and democratic practice, the better it would be for Ghana’s forward march,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that Ghanaians voted for change in the last elections with the expectation of progress, not a regression into old political rivalries and victimization. He urged President Mahama to be a leader for all Ghanaians by reversing unjust dismissals, protecting citizens, and upholding the rule of law.
In a passionate appeal, he concluded:
“We must advance our democracy. We must protect our state institutions. We must uphold our Constitution. Ghana can do better. Ghana must do better!”
Dr. Bawumia’s statement has sparked widespread discussion, with many awaiting the government’s response to these serious allegations. The coming days will determine how President Mahama addresses these concerns and whether steps will be taken to ease the growing tensions in the country.
