Anthony Karbo, a senior aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly defended former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s endorsement of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, describing it as a clear reflection of Dr. Bawumia’s leadership capabilities. Kufuor’s recent call for Ghanaians to rally behind Dr. Bawumia for the December elections has sparked a heated debate, with both praise and criticism following his public declaration of support.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, November 17, former President Kufuor described Dr. Bawumia as the most suitable candidate for the presidency, citing his competence and vision. “Bawumia is the man to take Ghana to the next level,” Kufuor emphasized. He appealed to Ghanaians to unite behind the NPP flagbearer, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the nation toward economic recovery and sustained growth.
However, this endorsement has not gone without controversy. Alan Kyerematen, the Movement for Change presidential candidate, voiced his disapproval during an appearance on Oyerepa TV. Kyerematen criticized Kufuor’s decision to publicly align with Dr. Bawumia, arguing that it undermines the statesman’s neutrality and legacy.
“Kufuor is my uncle and an elderly person, and I don’t want to say something publicly against him. But what he has done has created a big blot on his political career. Do you realise how people have started making derogatory comments about him? Don’t you hear the insults? Look at the kind of people insulting him,” Kyerematen stated. He went further to express concern over the damage he believes the endorsement has caused to Kufuor’s reputation.
“He’s very respected in Ghana, so why would he now be engaging in politics of this nature? He’s my uncle, and his actions are bad. He’s treading on dangerous ground, and he has to stop. He knows what he’s doing,” Kyerematen added, urging the former president to reconsider his public political stance.
In response to the backlash, Anthony Karbo defended Kufuor’s right to publicly express his political preference. Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Monday, November 18, Karbo stated that the former president’s endorsement was not only justified but also rooted in Bawumia’s proven track record and vision for Ghana’s economic transformation.
“Kufuor has the right to endorse anyone he believes in, and this should not be seen as partisan. His endorsement of Dr. Bawumia is grounded in the recognition of his capabilities and his vision to move this nation forward,” Karbo said. He dismissed the criticism as unfounded and called on Ghanaians to focus on the substance of Kufuor’s message.
Karbo emphasized that Kufuor’s confidence in Dr. Bawumia stems from his belief in the NPP flagbearer’s ability to tackle Ghana’s pressing economic challenges. “Dr. Bawumia has consistently demonstrated his commitment to Ghana’s development. His innovative solutions, particularly in the areas of digitalization and economic transformation, have set him apart as the leader Ghana needs at this critical moment,” Karbo remarked.
The debate surrounding Kufuor’s endorsement highlights the growing intensity of the political discourse ahead of the December elections. While supporters of Dr. Bawumia view the endorsement as a significant boost to his campaign, critics argue that it raises questions about impartiality and its implications for Ghana’s democratic process.
Karbo urged the public to consider the broader implications of Kufuor’s endorsement, emphasizing that it reflects a deep sense of responsibility and concern for Ghana’s future. “This is not about personalities; it’s about who has the vision and the plan to lead Ghana out of its current challenges. Former President Kufuor’s decision to endorse Dr. Bawumia is based on a genuine belief in his ability to deliver on this mandate,” he said.
As the December elections draw closer, the spotlight remains on the candidates and their ability to address the pressing needs of the nation. For Dr. Bawumia, Kufuor’s endorsement adds to his growing list of supporters, bolstering his campaign and reinforcing his message of hope and transformation.
The controversy surrounding Kufuor’s public declaration underscores the high stakes of the upcoming elections and the critical decisions facing Ghanaians as they prepare to cast their votes. For Anthony Karbo and the Bawumia campaign, the focus remains on engaging voters and presenting a compelling vision for Ghana’s future one grounded in innovation, integrity, and progress.
As the nation debates the implications of Kufuor’s endorsement, one thing remains clear: the upcoming elections will be a defining moment in Ghana’s political landscape, with the potential to shape the country’s trajectory for years to come.
