Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia has publicly praised the character and leadership qualities of her husband, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) former flagbearer.
Speaking at a recent meeting with NPP TESCON executives, she sought to clarify misconceptions about Dr. Bawumia’s calm demeanor, stressing that his humility should not be mistaken for weakness or an inability to stand firm.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Bawumia explained that her husband’s thoughtful and considerate nature is often misunderstood.
“You are being deliberate, you are being thoughtful, you are being considerate, and somebody with that quality is not a pushover, is not a walkover. Only that the person is calm, so when issues come, he doesn’t angrily react. But that does not mean he’s soft or someone can intimidate him,” she emphasized.
She went on to describe Dr. Bawumia as a strong intellectual leader who carefully weighs his decisions.
“He thinks about every step very well, engages in dialogue, and only then makes decisions. That’s who he is. He won’t change his personality. He’s humble, but that does not mean someone can intimidate him.”
Mrs. Bawumia highlighted the importance of vision and democratic leadership in Ghana’s political landscape.
“Leadership is about vision. Ghana practices democracy. We elect leaders not to lead wars but to implement good policies for the people. That’s all we need in our leader,” she stated.
She praised her husband’s humility as a strength that allows him to listen and seek advice, qualities she believes are essential for effective leadership.
Mrs. Bawumia stressed “The person who humbles himself is someone who can come to you for advice and listen to your concerns. That’s a quality we need, and Dr. Bawumia embodies that. He is humble and caring, especially about the marginalized in society.”
The former Second Lady also lauded Dr. Bawumia’s dedication and work ethic.
“His strength lies in his thought, his results, his leadership, his vision, and his hard work. I’ve never seen anyone who works as hard as he does from Monday to Sunday, morning to evening. He loves this party and this country.”
Samira Bawumia challenged critics who view careful deliberation as a negative trait, saying, “Since when did it become a bad trait to think before you talk? Is it a bad trait to have? That’s who Bawumia is; he cares deeply about what he does.”
Also, Samira Bawumia also recounted Dr. Bawumia’s decision to return to Ghana after completing his PhD and working abroad.
“He informed us that he had to come and help this country, to be of service. That was the time he joined the Bank of Ghana,” she recalled, underscoring his commitment to national development.
By: Kwadwo Owusu
