The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 parliamentary candidate for the Adentan Constituency, Akosua Manu, also known as Kozie, has thrown her support behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as the embodiment of the values that have historically delivered electoral victories for the party.

Speaking on Sunday, December 28, during Dr Bawumia’s visit to Adentan as part of his campaign to be re-elected to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections, Ms Manu argued that the party succeeds when it presents candidates who are nation-first, principled and people-centred.

“Our party, the New Patriotic Party, has had success when we represent a flagbearer that has three core beliefs: they put the nation first, they are principle-driven, and they are people-centred,” she said.

She cited the conduct of former President John Agyekum Kufuor after the 1996 elections as a defining moment that shaped public confidence in the NPP. According to her, despite pressure to reject the results or resort to confrontation, Mr Kufuor chose statesmanship.

“In 1996, when we didn’t win, a lot of people said former President Kufuor should apply some violence or not even accept the results. But on the day of President Rawlings’ swearing-in, Kufuor went to greet him and showed exceptional maturity. Ghanaians saw that and said this is a true gentleman, and four years later, he won the election,” she recounted.

Ms Manu also referenced the disputed 2012 elections, noting that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo resisted calls to take to the streets and instead chose the path of constitutionalism, with Dr Bawumia playing a key role.

“In the most controversial election of this country in 2012, Nana Akufo-Addo was incited to hit the streets, but he said no and resorted to the courts. His star witness was Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and four years later, having put the nation’s interest first, Ghanaians rewarded him with victory,” she said.

Turning to recent events, Ms Manu said Dr Bawumia again demonstrated nation-first leadership in the lead-up to the December 7, 2024 elections, when intelligence suggested potential unrest.

“On the eve of the 2024 election, there was intelligence that trouble could be caused to suggest the NPP did not want to hand over power and that the country could burn. Dr Bawumia put the nation first. He believes that not a single drop of blood should be shed on account of his personal ambition,” she stated.

She concluded that among all the aspirants seeking to lead the NPP, Dr Bawumia uniquely reflects the values that have produced presidents for the party, insisting that his track record of restraint, maturity and people-centred leadership makes him the strongest choice going forward.