NPP race: Bawumia’s political journey of resilience and vision
Tamale-born economist and banker Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has become one of Ghana’s most prominent political figures over the past two decades.
The former Vice President is blending academic rigour with a technocratic approach to governance as he vies again for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential nomination on January 31, 2026.
Roots and Education
He was born on October 7, 1963, in Tamale, Northern Region, to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, a teacher, lawyer and traditional leader, and Hajia Mariama Bawumia.
His educational journey began locally at Sakasaka Primary School and Tamale Secondary School, before he pursued economics abroad.
He earned a First-Class BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham, an MSc from Oxford’s Lincoln College and a PhD in Economics from Simon Fraser University in Canada, a foundation that would shape his professional and political identity.
From Central Banking to National Politics
Before entering formal politics, Bawumia built a distinguished career in economics: lecturing in the UK and the United States, working with the International Monetary Fund, and serving as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, a role he held until his nomination as a running mate in 2008.
His selection as vice-presidential candidate alongside Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 and 2012 elections, although unsuccessful, solidified his status as a trusted and data-driven leader within the New Patriotic Party.
In 2012 he also served as the NPP’s lead witness at the Supreme Court election petition, a high-profile moment that amplified his national profile.
This action has been hailed as a courageous step, reflecting his loyalty at a time when many NPP stalwarts chose to step back.
Vice Presidency: Digital Transformation and Economic Stewardship
In 2016, after years building party and policy credentials, Bawumia’s persistence paid off. He was sworn in as Vice President of Ghana, serving two terms from 2017 to 2025 under President Nana Akufo-Addo.
As vice president, he became the architect of the Digital Ghana Agenda — championing innovations such as the Ghana Card national ID system, mobile money interoperability, and digital public service platforms aimed at modernising governance.
His leadership of the Economic Management Team reflected his economic expertise, though his tenure coincided with significant fiscal challenges, including a debt restructuring and an IMF programme, realities that will likely shape campaign debates in the weeks ahead.
2024 Presidential Bid and Comeback Campaign
On November 3, 2023, Bawumia won the NPP presidential primaries, paving the way for him as the candidate in the December 7, 2024 general election.
However, expectations were cut short when he garnered 41.75% of the total votes, according to the official results gazetted by the Electoral Commission (EC), falling short of victory against John Mahama, despite earlier claims suggesting he had only 38%.
He publicly conceded and congratulated his Mr. Mahama, underscoring his commitment to democratic norms.
Now, as a seasoned contender in the 2026 NPP presidential race, Bawumia is framing his campaign around economic renewal, unity, and forward-looking leadership.
He seeks to convince delegates that his blend of technocratic experience and transformative vision makes him best positioned to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
Legacy and Stakes Ahead
Dr Bawumia’s political arc, from economist and central banker to vice president and twice-contested presidential candidate reflects resilience and evolution.
His story resonates not just because of his credentials, but because it mirrors the complex demands of Ghana’s political economy: balancing expertise with mass appeal, continuity with change, and technocratic insight with political stewardship.
As the NPP prepares for its primary on January 31, 2026, his journey will be pivotal not only for his career but for the party’s future direction.
