The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, who embarked on a political hiatus to focus on his work at the NPA is back into mainstream politics.
He marked his return when he vehemently defended Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, against cynics blaming him (Dr. Bawumia) for the country’s economic woes.
Addressing Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kukuom in the Asunafo South Constituency of the Ahafo Region, Dr. Abdul-Hamind stated that the Vice President’s role, as defined by the 1992 Constitution, does not include any significant powers in governance, hence his absolution from any perceived mismanagement of the country’s affairs.
Dr. Abdul-Hamind used the Imam and Muezzin (lardan) analogy to drive home the point, to the clear understanding and admiration of his audience.
He described Dr. Bawumia as merely acting as an assistant to the President, lacking the authority to make independent decisions.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid, an Islamic scholar, drew an analogy between Dr. Bawumia’s role as Vice President and the hierarchical structure within a mosque.
He likened Dr. Bawumia to an assistant to the Imam, who supports the Imam by responding with “Ameen! Ameen!” but does not have the authority to lead prayers or recite the Quran.
“The Vice President is like an assistant to the Imam,” he said. “Just as the assistant does not have the right to recite the Quran but only to respond, Dr. Bawu
mia has supported President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the same way.
Now, as Dr. Bawumia has been elected by the party delegates to lead the party in the 2024 general elections, he is ready to ‘recite the Quran’ himself.”
Dr. Abdul-Hamid further explained that just as an assistant Imam assumes leadership and brings their style when the Imam retires, Dr. Bawumia will also bring his approach if elected President.
He compared Dr. Bawumia’s current position to that of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who, he argued, only began outlining her vision for America after being selected as a candidate for the next elections.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid concluded by stating that Dr. Bawumia is making promises now because he is preparing for his potential role as President, and not because he has been in a position to execute such promises during his tenure as Vice President.
