Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the governing New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, has reacted to charges that he is a liar made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During a media event on Sunday, August 25, Dr. Bawumia rejected the label, stating that it emerged from his aspirational vision for Ghana’s future.
“People call me a liar, and I say at least I’m not called a murderer, as my boss [President Akufo-Addo] was called, or I’m not called a drug dealer, or even I’m not called Government Official 1,” he said referencing allegations previously made against former President John Mahama in the alleged airbus bribery scandal.
Dr. Bawumia said that the charges against him resulted from his progressive outlook and conviction that Ghana has the capacity to equal the accomplishments of developed countries.
He highlighted the need for a mentality change in the nation, arguing in favour of optimism about the prospects for economic expansion and technological innovation.
“Fundamentally, I believe Ghana can do exactly what is happening in the developed world, in the advanced countries. I believe we can leapfrog technology. And for us to do this, we must have this mindset of possibilities. That is why I’m saying, ‘It Is Possible’,” he said.
He subsequently criticized the NDC for what he perceives as a defeatist attitude, accusing the party of having an “impossibility mindset” that limits Ghana’s development.
“When other countries are going to Mars, why would you think earthly things are not possible?” he quizzed.
However, the leader of the NPP admitted that initial mistrust and charges of dishonesty might arise from some of his suggested ideas being futuristic and hard to understand.
He emphasized, however, that his goals are based on the conviction that Ghana can make major strides, given the country takes a proactive and upbeat approach.