Former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has come to the defense of Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in light of criticisms surrounding his promises to overturn certain policies introduced by the current government. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that Dr. Bawumia, while a key figure in the NPP, does not hold the executive authority to unilaterally implement or abolish policies.
During a discussion on the NPP’s 2024 manifesto, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu provided clarity on Dr. Bawumia’s role and the nature of his promises. He explained that as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia serves primarily as an advisor to President Nana Akufo-Addo and does not possess the executive power required to enact or nullify policies independently.
“Executive authority in Ghana is vested solely in the President,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted. “Dr. Bawumia’s role is to offer advice and support, not to dictate policy decisions. The responsibilities and powers associated with the presidency lie with one individual.”
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu addressed concerns about Dr. Bawumia’s promises to abolish certain policies, including the electronic levy and betting tax, as well as reintroduce road tolls. He clarified that these promises are part of the NPP’s 2024 manifesto and should be viewed within the context of the party’s platform rather than Dr. Bawumia’s current capacity as Vice President.
To illustrate his point, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu referenced historical examples of Ghanaian Presidents who, despite succeeding themselves, introduced new manifestos that differed from their predecessors’. He cited former President Jerry John Rawlings, who, after his re-election in 1996, presented a new manifesto that was significantly different from the 1992 version. This, he argued, demonstrates that evolving societal needs and changing circumstances often necessitate updates to policy platforms.
“President Rawlings, when he succeeded himself in 1996, did not maintain the same manifesto as he had in 1992. The 1996 manifesto of the NDC was distinctively different from the 1992 version,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated. “Similarly, President John Agyekum Kufuor, during his second term, presented a manifesto that was marketed differently because societal dynamics had changed.”
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also pointed to former President John Mahama, who did not retain the same manifesto when he succeeded President John Evans Atta Mills. He emphasized that such changes are a natural response to evolving circumstances and should be expected in a dynamic political landscape.
“The dynamic nature of society requires adjustments and updates to policy proposals,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained. “It should be obvious that executive authority is concentrated in the hands of one person, the President. The Vice President, while a key advisor, does not have the power to enforce policy changes on their own.”
The discussion highlighted the distinction between the roles of the Vice President and the President, underscoring that the former’s proposals are part of a broader political strategy and do not reflect immediate executive actions. Dr. Bawumia’s policy promises, therefore, should be interpreted as part of the NPP’s vision for the future, rather than actions expected to be taken during his current term.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s defense aims to address criticisms that have arisen in response to Dr. Bawumia’s policy promises, framing them as part of the party’s strategic planning for the 2024 elections. The clarity provided seeks to mitigate misunderstandings about the scope of Dr. Bawumia’s current powers and the nature of the promises made.
In summary, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s comments serve to clarify the role of the Vice President in relation to policy-making and executive authority. By drawing on historical precedents and emphasizing the dynamic nature of political platforms, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has defended Dr. Bawumia’s promises as part of a forward-looking manifesto rather than immediate policy directives.
