Posterity will be kind to you – Bawumia tells Akufo-Addo
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into the 2024 general elections, has openly admitted that the popularity of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dropped in recent times. However, he believes that in the years to come, Ghanaians will come to appreciate Akufo-Addo’s contributions more deeply.
Dr. Bawumia made these remarks over the weekend of May 24–25, 2025, while addressing party supporters in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region, as part of the NPP’s ongoing Thank You Tour across the country.
“My Boss Nana is Not as Popular, but Posterity Will Judge Him Kindly”
Speaking with honesty and reflection, Dr. Bawumia said:
“Today, when you look at it, my own boss Nana is not as popular as before, is that not so? But I have strong conviction that posterity will be very kind to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Because people with time will appreciate the work he came to do for Ghana. Today, we do not see it, but in the future, people will understand.”
His comments touched many supporters who nodded in agreement, while others reflected silently. The former Vice President’s words seemed to acknowledge the current public mood while offering hope that history will be more generous in evaluating Nana Akufo-Addo’s legacy.
2024 Election Defeat and the Purpose of the Thank You Tour
The Thank You Tour is the NPP’s national initiative to reconnect with its grassroots, thank party members and sympathisers, and reflect on the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections.
Dr. Bawumia lost the presidential election to the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama, who won with 56.55% of the votes, while Bawumia polled 41.31%. It was a significant margin, and many political observers attributed the NPP’s defeat to public dissatisfaction, especially with the state of the economy during the second term of President Akufo-Addo.
Ghanaians had expressed frustration over rising inflation, the free fall of the cedi, youth unemployment, and growing national debt — issues that dominated public discourse during the final years of the NPP administration.
Celebrating the Good While Facing the Challenges
Despite the economic setbacks, Dr. Bawumia encouraged supporters to look at the positive achievements of the Akufo-Addo government. He mentioned some of the signature policies and interventions, such as:
Free Senior High School (Free SHS) – which allowed thousands of Ghanaian children to attend school without paying fees.
Planting for Food and Jobs – a programme that boosted agriculture and helped reduce food imports in its early years.
One District, One Factory (1D1F) – aimed at boosting local production and creating jobs.
Digitalisation of government services – a key part of Bawumia’s own legacy.
He admitted that while people are currently feeling economic hardship, these social interventions and infrastructure investments will stand the test of time.
Call for Unity and Renewal in the NPP
In his address, Dr. Bawumia called on party faithful not to be discouraged by the loss, but rather to stay united and prepare for a comeback.
“Thank you all for your efforts in 2024 and for your continuous commitment to the NPP. Let us stay united and make our great party stronger.”
He acknowledged the commitment of party members in the Eastern Region, saying the enthusiasm and love shown by the grassroots had touched him deeply.
“Even though we lost the election, the way you have received us shows that the NPP is still alive in your hearts,” he said.
Tour Across the Country – Listening and Healing
Dr. Bawumia’s tour is not just about gratitude — it is also part of the NPP’s efforts to heal internal wounds, resolve misunderstandings, and listen to grassroots concerns following the painful electoral loss.
The tour has so far taken him to 13 regions, including Ashanti, Greater Accra, Volta, Bono, Northern, and Central Regions. In each place, he has engaged regional executives, constituency officers, polling station organisers, and even ordinary party sympathisers.
The key message has been consistent:
Thank the base
Acknowledge mistakes
Build unity
Prepare for the future
Mixed Feelings Among Supporters
Within the NPP, there are mixed feelings about the 2024 election results and the way forward.
Some members believe that economic mismanagement under Akufo-Addo’s watch made the 2024 campaign difficult, even for Bawumia who tried to distance himself slightly from certain decisions. Others say the party did not listen enough to Ghanaians, while a few blame internal divisions and poor communication during the campaign.
But Bawumia’s willingness to admit that “Nana is not as popular as before” is being seen by many as a mature step, one that allows the party to be honest with itself while still respecting its achievements.
What Comes Next for the NPP?
Many political watchers believe that the NPP is now at a crossroads.
The next few years will be crucial in determining whether the party can regain public trust, renew its leadership, and build a stronger base ahead of the 2028 elections.
Dr. Bawumia, as the party’s 2024 flagbearer and former Vice President, is likely to remain a key figure. However, new voices and younger leaders may also emerge in the rebuilding process.
Conclusion: Reflecting, Rebuilding, and Looking Ahead
Dr. Bawumia’s words in Koforidua captured a moment of both reflection and hope.
By admitting that former President Akufo-Addo’s popularity has dropped, but still defending his legacy, Bawumia showed that the NPP is ready to take a hard look at itself.
His call for unity and strength reminds party members that politics is a journey, not a one-time event. While 2024 didn’t go their way, the path to redemption begins now.
The NPP is on the road — not just across Ghana, but hopefully back to the hearts of the people.