By Lord Fiifi Quayle

As we delve deeper into the political machinations of Nana Akufo-Addo, it becomes increasingly evident that his administration is not merely a solo act but a carefully orchestrated performance that involves key players, most notably Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. While Bawumia has been heralded as the face of digitalization in Ghana, a closer inspection reveals that this narrative is less about innovation and more about political expediency—a tactic straight out of Akufo-Addo’s playbook of the long con.

Since his ascension to the presidency, Nana Akufo-Addo has strategically positioned Bawumia as the vanguard of digital transformation in Ghana. The narrative being spun by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is that Bawumia is the originator of digitalization in the country, a claim that is not only MISLEADING but also devoid of the context necessary to understand the broader picture. In truth, Bawumia’s role in the digitalization agenda has been exaggerated to serve the interests of the party and to mask the failures of the Akufo-Addo administration.

It is essential to recognize that the groundwork for digital initiatives was laid by various stakeholders, including previous administrations, civil society organizations, etc. Bawumia, while a capable economist and politician, did not play a pivotal role in these foundational efforts. Instead, his appointment as the face of digitalization seems more like a calculated move by Akufo-Addo to shift the blame and deflect criticism from his administration’s shortcomings.

The NPP’s concerted effort to rebrand Bawumia as the digitalization guru serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it seeks to bolster the Vice President’s image ahead of the upcoming elections, positioning him as a candidate who can carry the party’s legacy forward. Secondly, it aims to create a smokescreen for the various scandals and issues that have plagued Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency—issues that have left many Ghanaians disillusioned and frustrated.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that Bawumia’s role in this grand scheme is far from altruistic. He has been groomed to serve as a political shield for Nana Akufo-Addo and his inner circle, absorbing the fallout from the administration’s questionable policies and actions. The Vice President’s public persona is being leveraged to distract from the pervasive corruption and nepotism that have characterized the current regime, allowing Akufo-Addo to continue his agenda of self-enrichment while Bawumia takes the heat.

The irony is not lost on those who have followed this political saga. Bawumia, who once stood as a beacon of hope for many, is now being utilized as a pawn in a larger game—a game that prioritizes the interests of the Akufo-Addo family and their associates over the welfare of the Ghanaian people. The digitalization narrative is but a façade, a carefully crafted illusion designed to obscure the administration’s true intentions.

With just about 2 weeks to elections, Ghanaians must remain vigilant against the tactics of manipulation and deceit that have become the hallmark of Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. The time has come to question the authenticity of the narratives being presented and to hold leaders accountable for their actions. Bawumia may be portrayed as the champion of digitalization, but it is crucial to remember that he is part of a larger scheme—a scheme that has, thus far, served to enrich a select few at the expense of the many.

The saga of Nana Akufo-Addo and Mahamudu Bawumia is a stark reminder of the complexities of Ghanaian politics. As the narrative of digitalization unfolds, it is imperative for the electorate to discern fact from fiction and to demand transparency and integrity from their leaders. The long con may be sophisticated, but the truth has a way of surfacing—one that Ghanaians must embrace as they navigate the turbulent waters of their political landscape. The future of Ghana depends on it.