Former Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has shared a New Year message which includes some wake-up calls for the incumbent president, John Dramani Mahama.

In his message shared on January 1, 2026, on his official social media platforms (Facebook and X), he noted that his government, which was led by the former President Akufo-Addo, handed over a solid foundation to the Mahama-led administration, hence the need to build on it and “not let it slip”

He said, “The foundation President Mahama inherited was solid in many ways. It is imperative that we build on it and not let it slip. I say this because this matters more now than ever.”

He highlighted several other national issues, including the need to uphold the country’s democracy and called on President Mahama to deliver on his promise to the Ghanaian youth as far as employment and his flagship programme, the 24-hour economy, are concerned.

According to him, the mandate the president has earned was given to him by the good people of Ghana to promote livelihoods and ensure safety and growth, hence the need for President Mahama to guard it jealously and deliver to the utmost satisfaction of the people.

He said, “A lot has happened since 7th December 2024, and I know many of us continue to reflect on it every day. I congratulate President John Dramani Mahama on his first year in office, and I sincerely wish him well in the discharge of his mandate. The Ghanaian people have bestowed a sacred trust on him, and he cannot afford to fail them. I therefore urge him to continue to guard the peace, stability, and unity of our nation jealously. Ghana has always stood out as a beacon in a region that has seen too much turmoil and instability.”

He went on to address the plight of some citizens over the last year, labelling it as a challenging one for some, particularly for youth and parents. Consequently, he urged President Mahama to fulfil his promise of providing jobs to the youth populace through the 24-hour economy.

The NDC government’s proposed “24‑Hour Economy” is designed to expand economic activity beyond the traditional 8 a.m.–5 p.m. workday, to create millions of jobs and improve wages. It’s aimed at transforming Ghana’s labour market by creating 1.7 million employment opportunities and improving wages.

The former vice president noted, “A new year gives us a pause, a moment to reflect on where we are coming from, the choices we have made, and the future we still hope to build together with quiet thought and renewed resolve. I know that for many Ghanaians, the past year has not been easy. Parents have worried about providing for their families, and unemployed young people have wondered when the 24-hour economy will provide the promised jobs.”

A major highlight in the presidential aspirant’s message was his concern about the country’s rank in terms of peace. Referring to the way the dismissal of the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was handled, Dr Bawumia stated that Ghana, which has maintained a reputation as a beacon of democracy and peace, has now fallen six places in the 2025 Global Peace Index, a drop he labels as “gaping cracks.”

“You may have heard about the results of the 2025 Global Peace Index. Ghana has dropped six places to 61st in the world, and from fourth to seventh in sub-Saharan Africa. These results point to growing security worries and pockets of unrest in the country. One of Ghana's greatest strengths since the inception of the Fourth Republic has been the independence and credibility of our democratic institutions. The world looks at us and says, ‘This is how democracy should work.’ But in the course of the year, we have seen gaping cracks appearing.

“For example, the manner in which Ghana's third female Chief Justice was hounded out of office in fulfilment of a campaign pledge hurt many of us who believe in the independence of the judiciary. Let me stress unequivocally that when institutions are weakened, democracy is weakened. When institutions are politicised, trust is lost. Ghana's democracy must never be sacrificed on the altar of short-term political advantage. There can be no turning back for our nation,” Dr Bawumia continued.

He continued, “Many Ghanaians have expressed concern about the direction of our national cohesion and the strength of our democratic institutions. These concerns should not be dismissed. When citizens begin to worry about fairness, independence, and consistency, confidence is affected. And when confidence is shaken, progress becomes harder.”

In light of these setbacks, Dr Bawumia stated, “I therefore respectfully advise President Mahama to focus on strengthening, not undermining, the institutions that underpin our democratic order.”

The NPP presidential aspirant, who also happens to be the forerunner in the race, charge dhis party members to embrace unity as they gear up for the next elections. He acknowledged the different opinions that will be shared by various individuals; however, he urged that they should all focus on achieving a particular goal and purpose.

On his part, the goal should be to choose a leader who prioritises integrity, selfless service and not a cronyist.“To my brothers and sisters in the New Patriotic Party, this is a defining moment in our journey. Ours is a party founded on the principles of freedom, justice, and opportunities for all. These ideals demand more than slogans. They demand unity, discipline, and leadership rooted in selfless service and unquestionable character.

As a family, we may differ in opinions, but we must never differ in purpose. Division weakens us; unity strengthens us. And history will judge us not by how loudly we speak, but by how wisely we choose. This new year calls on us to rally together and to select a leader of integrity, dedication, and a genuine spirit of service, someone who understands that leadership is not about privilege, but about responsibility. It’s not about a few people prospering, but about every Ghanaian having a fair chance to succeed,” he added.