For all the right reasons, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president of Ghana continues to win the hearts of Ghanaians. He continues to lead by example, in humility and with his warm and affectionate smile.
It is therefore not surprising that the Second gentleman of the land captures the front-pages. It is as if everything he touches turn gold. But he wasn’t born with a political spoon in his mouth. He has learned the ropes early and quickly.
Bawumia who came to the political scene as a novice in 2008 continue to grow with grace. It is as if he is destined for greatness. From a deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana to the vice president of Ghana has been a meteoric rise. One that was not envisaged by the political punters.
As a vice president he has delivered on his mandate. He has led some fruitful and transformational policies in the country. Even in the face of economic crisis, he shows the path to recovery.
The vice president recently saw a massive backing of Ghanaians when his name featured in an investigative piece by Anas’ Tiger Eye. Not only was he exonerated with speed and alacrity, the outright rejection by Ghanaians on any corruption involvement was telling. This proves the confidence Ghanaians have in him.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is trending on social media again, and for the good reasons. Euphoria and excitement that greeted his modesty after he was spotted on a commercial airline in a flight to Tamale was a sight to behold.
It is uncommon for a President or Vice President to travel in public commercial flights. Many have praised the vice president as someone who understands the times we are in.
For the gesture, the Vice President has won the heart of Ghanaians with his modesty, honesty and willingness to live as ordinary, even with his status as high office holder.
The Bawumia Gesture
Manasseh’s post sparked a heavy online debate, with many praising the Vice President for his action which saves the nation money.
According to a photo shared by investigative Journalist, Mansseh Azure, the vice president joined the Tamale-bound flight to the admiration of many passengers.
Taking to his social media page to share the photo, Manasseh Azure expressed his surprise upon seeing the vice president joining a commercial flight.
The vice president with his warm and affectionate smile was strapped with his seat belt aboard the Africa World Airline. Uncommon, but Bawumia did it with ease.
According to the photo, the Vice President was without a passenger on a double seat, flanked by his aides and security right behind him. Perhaps that is to provide a little more comfort, after all, he could have opted for the high end.
The social media post captioned “This morning, those of us on board of Africa World’s Embraer 145 commercial flight to Tamale were joined by an unexpected passenger. I don’t know how often it happens, but this is the first time I have heard or seen Ghana’s president or vice president on a local commercial flight,” has received many likes and comments, for the avoidance of doubt, they were not all palatable, the ‘doubting thomases’ are found everywhere.
The harmless post has however generated massive reaction on social media. While some commend the vice president for his gesture, others believe it’s not news for a vice president to join commercial flight. Perhaps, it will take a lot more to convince such persons, but a vice president, of an African country like Ghana, flying on a commercial flight should be applauded. Not many will do anything close.
Either way, it is remarkable for a Ghanaian public official to take such a move, particularly at a time when the nation is in an economic crisis.
That it is the unassuming Dr Bawumia who did so is not a surprise, and one can only hope his move sparks a trend for most other public officials to follow.
The humility on display by Vice President Bawumia sets him apart from many other Ghanaian politicians and is part of the reason why many believe he would be the best leader for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) post-Nana.