Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founder member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has claimed that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia struggles with decision-making, despite being widely commended for his statesmanship after conceding defeat in the December 2024 elections.

Speaking to TV3 on Friday [December 14, 2024], Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe remarked, “Bawumia is a disciplined and respectful gentleman, but his major weakness is that he cannot make decisions.”

Reflecting on his early association with Dr. Bawumia’s career, he shared details of his role in mentoring the Vice President.

“When Akufo-Addo decided to run with Bawumia..., he handed him over to me and the late former Vice President Aliu Mahama. We worked closely with him, and while he was a nice gentleman, he struggled to make decisions,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe alleged.

Contrasting opinions within the NPP

Despite these criticisms, Dr. Bawumia has received support from other prominent NPP figures, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who has praised Bawumia's leadership qualities and how he has rose through the ranks as a politician.

“Bawumia has been well-prepared, and I think his preparation makes him unique for the position,” President Kufuor stated.

Dr. Bawumia’s political career, which began in 2008 as the NPP’s vice-presidential candidate, has seen him transition from being perceived as a technocrat to a resilient political figure. His adaptability and influence within the NPP has earned him recognition from party insiders and political commentators alike.

Critique of the 2024 Elections

However, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe suggests that Bawumia has challenges with decision-making. He said it became evident during the 2024 elections, where he appeared constrained by party structures and external influences.

“Leadership requires decisiveness,” he said. “And unfortunately, he didn’t demonstrate that ability.”

Nonetheless, Dr. Bawumia’s concession after the election has received widespread praise, both locally and internationally, as a mark of political maturity and good leadership.

Broader Challenges within the NPP

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe attributed the NPP’s defeat at the polls to unresolved internal disputes and the party’s controversial primary processes.

He emphasised the need for reforms, urging the leadership to reconnect with the grassroots and restructure the party.

“The NPP needs to understand that the recent election results were a people’s revolution, a clear rejection of the status quo. If we don’t rebuild now, we risk losing our relevance,” he cautioned.

He also commended the Ghanaian electorate for prioritising competence over ethnicity and for demonstrating political maturity.

“This election showed that Ghanaians are tired of being taken for granted. The political class must wake up,” he warned.