Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a special aide to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has pinpointed corruption as the primary factor that led to the collapse of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential campaign.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Mogtari asserted that the pervasive corruption within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) tarnished Bawumia’s campaign and eroded public trust. She attributed much of the damage to outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s failure to address corruption concerns during his administration.
Impact of Corruption on Bawumia’s Campaign
Mogtari described the NPP’s inability to tackle corruption as a key reason for the electorate’s dissatisfaction, stating that it overshadowed any message Bawumia attempted to convey during his campaign.
“Corruption literally is what has destroyed even Bawumia’s campaign because largely his boss wasn’t listening,” she noted.
She further explained that President Akufo-Addo’s efforts to endorse and campaign for his vice president often backfired, amplifying negative perceptions rather than improving Bawumia’s chances.
“Every time President Akufo-Addo tried to campaign for his Vice President, he just went completely awry. So, it was not just what he was saying, it was because of him saying so,” Mogtari remarked, hinting at the outgoing president’s damaged credibility.
Broader Implications for the NPP
The alleged corruption scandals that dogged the NPP administration have had broader implications, contributing to its significant losses in the 2024 elections. The party not only lost the presidency but also saw a reduction in its parliamentary seats, ceding control of key constituencies to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC’s campaign capitalized on these issues, presenting itself as a viable alternative to tackle corruption and restore public trust. Mogtari’s comments underscore the role of governance and integrity in shaping political fortunes in Ghana.
