Dr. Kobina Arthur Kennedy, a medical doctor and former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sharply criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as “unprincipled and ungrateful.”
His comments come in response to Dr. Bawumia’s remarks made during the NPP’s nationwide “Thank You” tour. According to Dr. Kennedy, the Vice President appeared to distance himself from the policies of the Akufo-Addo administration, under which he served for eight years.
Appearing on TV3’s Ghana Tonight show, Dr. Kennedy said Bawumia’s posture was clearly aimed at discrediting former President Akufo-Addo, warning that such actions could create division within the party.
“Dr. Bawumia, in effect, is going after the former president for reasons that look quite obvious,” Dr. Kennedy asserted.
He argued that it is disingenuous for Dr. Bawumia to disassociate himself from the administration’s decisions after benefiting from its privileges and being hailed by figures like Osafo-Maafo as one of the most influential Vice Presidents in Ghana’s history.
“You cannot be touted by the likes of Osafo-Maafo as the most influential and consequential vice president in our history and then, when we finally lose an election, turn around and pretend you never had any influence,” he stated.
Dr. Kennedy also questioned Bawumia’s silence on key issues during his tenure, including controversial projects and incidents.
“Did Dr. Bawumia ever speak in cabinet against the National Cathedral? Did he ever condemn corruption? Did he raise his voice about what happened to Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong?” he asked.
Political Motivation?
According to Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Bawumia’s recent criticisms are not about principle but political survival. He alleged that Bawumia’s posture is a reaction to reports suggesting that President Akufo-Addo now supports a different candidate for the NPP’s 2028 presidential race.
“You can’t sit there for eight years as vice president and enjoy all the privileges, and then, as soon as you realize that the man [Akufo-Addo] has changed his mind [on your candidature], suddenly discover all his faults,” he said.
Dr. Kennedy concluded that Bawumia should have stayed true to his principles and offered honest counsel to the President, regardless of shifting political dynamics.
“When you join a ticket, you do not hand over your conscience. You’re still accountable for your decisions,” he emphasized.
