Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a leading contender in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries, has called on party delegates to place their trust in his leadership and vote for him in the upcoming internal elections.

Addressing delegates and supporters in the Asawase Constituency during his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, Dr Bawumia stressed that the choice delegates make will have long-term implications for both the NPP and the nation. He urged the party to elect a candidate with proven experience in governance and economic management as it seeks to return to power.

The NPP is scheduled to hold its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026.

According to Dr Bawumia, the party must present a candidate with a clear record of performance in critical sectors of national development to stand a strong chance in future national elections. He outlined a number of reforms aimed at reorganising and strengthening the party if elected flagbearer.

Among his proposals is the introduction of a Database Welfare System to consolidate and provide easy access to information on party members. He also pledged that 3,000 out of the 7,000 governance appointments under an NPP government would be allocated to constituencies, a move he said would promote equity and inclusiveness.

Dr Bawumia further proposed a Constituency-Based Budget System to ensure that challenges unique to each constituency are properly documented and addressed in a timely manner.

Referencing reports from internal party committees, he attributed the NPP’s recent electoral defeat to what he described as a “one-man-chop syndrome,” and assured delegates that such practices would not recur under his leadership. He appealed for unity within the party and asked delegates to entrust him with the mandate to lead the NPP forward.

During the visit, Dr Bawumia also brokered reconciliation among Manaf Ibrahim, Alidu Seidu and Ali Suraj, who had previously been at odds.

He was accompanied on the tour by several party stalwarts, including former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Kofi Jumah, Collins Ntim, Simon Osei Mensah, Ben Abdullah Banda, Saalim Bamba, Dr Ayew Afriyie, Kennedy Kankam and Alhaji Mohammed Moro.

President John Dramani Mahama has established a 12-member Presidential Advisory Group to spearhead Ghana’s economic reset agenda and restore macroeconomic stability.

The Advisory Group, which is chaired by President Mahama himself, is expected to provide strategic guidance on economic recovery measures, fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and sustainable growth policies as the country navigates current economic challenges.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the formation of the Advisory Group underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging expert knowledge and experience to address pressing economic concerns, including inflation, debt sustainability, job creation, and private sector growth.

The group will work closely with key economic institutions and stakeholders to assess existing policies, propose pragmatic solutions, and support the implementation of reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and rebuilding public confidence.

The establishment of the Advisory Group forms part of President Mahama’s broader vision to reset the economy through inclusive governance, evidence-based policymaking, and strategic leadership. Further details regarding the composition and specific mandate of the Advisory Group are expected to be announced in the coming days.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed unity, humility and commitment to national service as Ghana marks one year since his administration assumed office. Speaking at a national, non-denominational Thanksgiving service, the President said the day was not a celebration of power, but a solemn moment of gratitude and reflection.

“As one people, united in gratitude, humility and reflection, today we gather to give thanks,” President Mahama declared. “Today is not a celebration of power. It is a moment of thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve the people of Ghana. Today is not a declaration of triumph. It is a reaffirmation of purpose.”

Reflecting on the past year, the President acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the nation.

“Leadership is a privilege, but it’s also a load we are asked to carry, and over the past year, we have come face to face with the weight of that load economic hardship, social anxiety, global uncertainties, and of course, the legitimate expectations of our people,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, he expressed gratitude for the resilience of the Ghanaian people and the stability of the country’s democratic institutions.

“Our democracy has remained strong, our institutions have held their own, and our people have shown resilience, patience and faith in the future of our beloved nation. And so for all this, we are grateful, first and foremost, to the Almighty God.”

Appreciation to Citizens and Public Servants

President Mahama paid tribute to workers across all sectors, including farmers, teachers, health professionals, security services, traders and artisans. He also thanked traditional leaders, religious figures, Parliament, the Judiciary and Ghana’s international partners.

“Above all, we’re grateful to the people of Ghana for your trust, your constructive criticism when necessary, your encouragement and your enduring belief that our nation, Ghana, can and must do better,” he added.

He reserved special praise for Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as “a woman of dignity and quiet strength… I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me.”

Thanksgiving Beyond Religion

The President stressed that the Thanksgiving service was deliberately inclusive.

“This Thanksgiving service is intentionally non-denominational, because gratitude transcends religious doctrine. It speaks to the shared values that unite us as a people.”

He emphasized that no government succeeds on effort alone.

“Wisdom cannot be manufactured. Strength is not infinite. Guidance is not automatic.”

Commitment to Reform

President Mahama said his administration had taken “difficult decisions” and undertaken reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and restoring confidence.

“The work we have begun is far from finished, but today reminds us that progress is not measured only by numbers. It is also measured by hope restored, trust rebuilt and direction regained.”

He reaffirmed a commitment to ethical and compassionate governance.

“We recommit ourselves to governance anchored in integrity, competence and compassion… and to the unity of our nation, knowing that Ghana’s strength has always come from our ability to rise above division.”

Looking Ahead

The President cautioned that the coming year will test the nation’s resilience but also present opportunities.

“The year ahead will demand even more from us. It will test our resolve, our patience and our discipline, but it will also offer us opportunities to deepen the reforms we have started.”