I did not support Dr. Bawumia in the last internal contest – Dominic Nitiwul

“Campaign Is Going Extremely Well”—Senior NPP MP Speaks on Elections, Airport Renaming, and Bawumia

Accra, Ghana — A senior Member of Parliament of the New Patriotic Party has expressed confidence in his re-election campaign, describing it as “extremely well” as Ghana heads toward a fiercely competitive electoral season.

Asked about the state of his campaign, the MP said:

“It’s going very, very well. Extremely well.”

The lawmaker, widely regarded as one of the NPP’s strongest electoral performers in the north, is credited with turning Bimbilla—once considered an opposition stronghold—into a consistent NPP seat.

“I remember covering the era of Mohammed Ibn Chambas,” the interviewer noted. “At the time, it was unthinkable that this seat would ever go to the NPP. Then came the by-election, and you’ve held it ever since.”

Confirming his long parliamentary career, the MP revealed this is his sixth term in Parliament, having contested seven elections and won six. He explained that he lost once in 2004 after a by-election victory but returned to Parliament in 2008 and has remained since.

“If You Win 2024, You’ve Fought the Hardest Battle”

Reflecting on the 2024 general elections, he described them as the toughest in Ghana’s democratic history—especially for NPP candidates.

“For any NPP parliamentary candidate who wins in December 2024, I don’t think there will be a more difficult election than that.”

However, he cautioned against complacency.

“You can never predict elections in Ghana. I’ve seen people win by 30,000 votes and lose the next time. If you think your seat is safe, you’re deceiving yourself. You must work, represent your people well, and stay on top of your game.”

On His Time as Defence Minister

The MP also reflected on his tenure as Minister for Defence, describing it as uneventful in controversy and well-received by the military.

“There were no big stories, and the military was comfortable with the leadership.”

Kotoka Airport Renaming Debate

On the renewed calls to rename Kotoka International Airport, the former Defence Minister said he supports a national conversation and would respect the will of the majority.

“If Ghanaians decide today that the name should change, I will support that.”

However, he proposed alternatives.

“We could revert to the original name—Accra International Airport—or name it after a distinguished indigene of Accra or the Ga State.”

He explained that most airports in Ghana are either named after their cities or prominent local figures, citing examples across the country.

On whether the airport should be renamed after Kwame Nkrumah, he was clear:

“I don’t think we should name it after Nkrumah. Not because he is not important—he is. But Ghana has already honored him extensively: monuments, institutions, and even a national holiday. This discussion should be about Ghana as a whole.”

Reconsidering His View on Bawumia

Turning to politics within the NPP, the MP addressed his earlier position on Mahamudu Bawumia.

“Let me confess: I did not support Dr. Bawumia in the last internal contest. But having worked closely with him for years, I can say clearly—among those who presented themselves, he was the best.”

He praised Bawumia’s performance during his eight years as vice president, describing him as instrumental in key reforms and policy innovations that have reshaped everyday life in Ghana.

“From the manifesto stage through governance, he distinguished himself. Many ideas that people once thought were impossible have become reality.”

$1.4 Billion vs $4.5 Million: The Interoperability Example

To illustrate Bawumia’s impact, the MP cited Ghana’s mobile money interoperability project.

“Before John Dramani Mahama left office, a contract worth $1.4 billion had been awarded for interoperability.”

According to him, that contract was later cancelled by the state, with Bawumia playing a central role in restructuring the project.

“The same project was re-awarded for $4.5 million—not billion. Million. To achieve the same result.”

He described the contrast as “unbelievable” and evidence of the Vice President’s value to the country.