Former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has stated that his decision to contest in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential race was driven by a genuine desire to lead and implement transformative ideas, not merely to raise his political profile.

Speaking on The Pulse on March 18, Dr Adutwum said he entered the race with a clear vision aimed at tackling some of Ghana’s most pressing challenges, including poverty.

“I have some set of ideas that I thought would benefit my party and would benefit Ghana, and I was prepared to step up and share my ideas with Ghana… not just to talk about poverty alleviation, but about how we can eradicate poverty from the face of this country.”

He explained that although he was motivated and prepared, the party’s delegates ultimately chose a different candidate.

“The delegates told me they were not ready, and they thought there was somebody who could lead us better, and I wholeheartedly support their position. It’s a process, and the process has begun.”

Dr Adutwum expressed full support for the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing his endorsement as firm and unwavering.

“I’m happy that the whole system selected my brother, Dr. Bawumia, to lead us, and I wholeheartedly support him.”

Reflecting on his participation, he acknowledged that the contest also helped raise his public profile, though that was not his primary objective.

“This is my first time. I had to step up and sell myself, so it’s good. My name is out there, and people have got to know me.”

Addressing suggestions that he may have entered the race simply to market himself or position himself for a running mate role, Dr Adutwum rejected the claim, insisting that every serious contender enters an election with the intention of winning.

“Who goes into elections not to win? You go in to win, but whatever the delegates tell you, that’s what you abide by.”

“I went in to win. I didn’t win, but I sold myself.”

He further dismissed the notion that contesting a presidential race is a strategy to secure a vice-presidential slot, stressing that such decisions rest solely with the eventual flagbearer.

“You don’t go into it for running mate slots… it is at the discretion of the eventual winner.”

Dr Adutwum pointed to his track record in public service, including his tenure as education minister, as evidence of his qualifications, noting that his experience speaks for itself.

“My record is there. I don’t need to go into a race to market myself as a potential running mate.”

He added that personal preference plays a significant role in such selections, making it impractical to enter a race with the expectation of being chosen.

“You can be the best candidate in the world. If the person doesn’t like you, he doesn’t like you, so what’s the point?”

Despite not winning the contest, Dr Adutwum reiterated his commitment to the party and respect for the decision of the delegates, emphasising that their verdict remains final.