Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed grave concerns over what he describes as “worrying developments” under the administration of President John Mahama.
In a strongly worded statement, Bawumia called for immediate action to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and uphold constitutional principles.
Bawumia, who served as Vice President for eight years, emphasized his initial resolve to support the new administration after conceding defeat in the 2024 elections.
However, he stated that recent actions by the government have compelled him to speak out. “To look away whilst these ills persist is to abandon my responsibility,” he remarked.
The former Vice President criticized the Mahama administration for allegedly dismissing public servants and professionals employed during the previous government. He described this as ironic given the ruling party’s campaign promise to create jobs.
“The least a party that campaigned on jobs could do under conditions of unemployment is to innovate and create jobs rather than dismiss people,” he said.
Bawumia further alleged that some dismissals targeted individuals based solely on their perceived political affiliations or relationships with politicians, despite their qualifications.
“Regrettably, these dismissals have been extended to directors who are public servants and not politicians. In some of the cases, the only reason for dismissal was that the persons whose livelihoods have been destroyed are known to or related to politicians as if to suggest that they cannot live independent professional lives, however qualified they are.”
He warned that reports of planned terminations affecting security personnel, nurses, and teachers would be most unfortunate if carried out.
“There are also reports of government’s intention to terminate the appointments of persons performing critical jobs such security personnel, nurses, and teachers simply because they were appointed during the tenure of the previous administration. That will be most unfortunate”, Dr. Bawumia emphasized.
Bawumia also raised alarms about a growing atmosphere of insecurity, citing attacks on journalists, military raids on former officials’ homes, and mob violence against individuals and state institutions.
“there is a general atmosphere of insecurity with attacks on journalists, the use of our military to raid the homes of former government officials and communities, as well as mobs attacking innocent individuals and state institutions”.
He likened these incidents to a “military takeover” rather than a peaceful democratic transition.
“These are certainly worrying times for our democracy,” Bawumia stated, urging President Mahama to act swiftly to protect Ghana’s institutions and democratic practices.
In his appeal, Bawumia urged the President to reverse unjust dismissals and foster inclusivity. “I call on His Excellency President Mahama to be a president for all Ghanaians,” he said, stressing the need to advance democracy and uphold constitutional values.
Concluding his statement, Bawumia reiterated his belief in Ghana’s potential for better governance.
“Ghana can do better. Ghana must do better.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
