By: Sarah Baafi
Former Vice President and 2028 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Friday, February 13, 2026, used a National Thanksgiving Service at the National Mosque to strike a unifying tone, urging political actors and party faithful to place faith, humility and national healing above personal ambition.
Speaking under the theme “Offer to God Thanksgiving” drawn from Psalm 50:14, Dr. Bawumia said the gathering was not a celebration of individual success, but a moment of reflection and gratitude to Allah for guidance and mercy throughout the NPP’s recent internal processes, which he described as successful and incident-free.
“We give thanks to Almighty Allah for bringing us to the end of a chapter in the story of rebuilding,” he said, adding that the peaceful conduct of the party’s national conference and flagbearer election was a testament to divine grace.
Reflecting on the just-ended internal contest, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the emotional toll of the campaign, describing it as a period marked by “lies and vilification.” However, he said his response was guided by faith and patience rather than retaliation. Citing Islamic teachings, he explained that he chose restraint because ultimate judgment belongs to God.
“I smiled through the storm because I knew Allah knows the truth and will not forsake me,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia said the overwhelming nature of his victory clearly demonstrated that the New Patriotic Party is neither tribal nor religious, but a broad-based national party. He commended delegates and party members for their maturity and called for honest introspection as the party works to heal and unite after a bruising contest.
“Healing will not come from silence,” he said. “It will come from speaking up about what binds us together and working towards it. As a family, we have more that unites us than what divides us.”
Turning attention to the road ahead, Dr. Bawumia cautioned that victory in the 2028 general elections would not come automatically. He stressed that it must be earned through discipline, sacrifice and hard work at the grassroots level, “constituency by constituency, household by household, with humility and purpose.”
He announced that in the coming weeks, the party would embark on a nationwide engagement to acknowledge the efforts of members and begin reorganizing its policy and party structures to build a stronger, more motivated machinery for 2028.
Beyond party matters, Dr. Bawumia used the platform to make a direct appeal to the government of the day, urging restraint and inclusiveness in governance. He warned against political retribution and intimidation, arguing that Ghanaians remain under significant economic and social pressure.
“This is not the time for settling political scores,” he said. “It is the time to lower the temperature, heal the nation and govern in a way that reassures every Ghanaian that they are safe, respected and valued, regardless of how they voted.”
He concluded by pledging his full commitment to the demanding task ahead, emphasizing that national progress requires patience, listening and selfless service. “Ghana is bigger than any party,” he noted. “Our democracy must never be reduced to vengeance.”
