Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has acknowledged the critical role of grassroots party members in the party’s fortunes, pledging to tackle long-standing issues of neglect and exclusion if elected flagbearer.

In a Facebook post ahead of the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for Saturday, January 31, Dr Bawumia called on party delegates to rally behind his bid, describing a potential victory as a collective win for the entire party.

“A win for me will be a win for all members of our party and will mark the beginning of rebuilding a party capable of winning to serve the country,” he said, adding, “Let’s win together on 31st January for a greater NPP for all, which will win and be of immense service to Ghana again.”

The former Vice President, who has served as running mate in two general elections and Vice President from 2017 to 2025, said his extensive campaign experience across the country has given him a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by party faithful, particularly at the constituency level.

Dr Bawumia noted that despite their contributions, many grassroots members feel overlooked once elections are over, a situation he described as unhealthy for party cohesion and revival.

“Having toured and campaigned in all constituencies — at least six times in each — for the past five general elections spanning 18 years, I am well placed to understand the immense contributions our party faithful can make when they are better acknowledged, appreciated and rewarded,” he stated.

To address these concerns, Dr Bawumia outlined a number of proposals aimed at improving inclusion and welfare within the party. Central among them is the creation of a comprehensive digital database for party members at all levels. According to him, the system will allow members to be formally registered, recognised for their contributions, and supported when welfare issues arise.

He explained that the database will be linked to monitoring units at the constituency level, which will liaise with a central unit to ensure members’ concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

Dr Bawumia also proposed decentralising appointments under a future NPP government, with each constituency allocated at least 10 appointments to nominate qualified and deserving party members who can also contribute to local development.

In addition, he announced plans for a constituency-based national budget, a policy he says will ensure balanced development and prevent any part of the country from being left behind.

Reiterating his commitment to party unity, Dr Bawumia said the proposals are designed to “effectively address the thorny issue of exclusion and the perennial welfare concerns of our committed members.”

The NPP presidential primaries will determine the party’s flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections, with several high-profile contenders vying for the position.