The flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has officially filed his nomination to contest the December 7 presidential election at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters.
Dr Bawumia was accompanied by his wife Samira Bawumia, his running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and his wife Alma Pokua Adade-Prempeh.
Party executives, including the National Chairman Stephen Ntim, General Secretary Justin Koduah Frimpong, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and other leading members of the NPP, were also at the EC office to provide support.
Speaking briefly after filing his nomination on Monday, September 9, Dr Bawumia expressed confidence in securing victory in the 2024 general elections.
“Historically, I think Ghana is in a very enviable position as far as the conduct of elections is concerned. And I believe that Madam Chair and your team will live up to it. But let’s pray and continue to pray for God’s blessings for the Electoral Commission.
“I also pray for God’s blessings for the New Patriotic Party, myself and my team so that we will emerge victorious in this election. And then at the end of the day, we inherit a country which is peaceful and that this process reinforces the democratic traditions of Ghana.
“We are very proud of our democracy and we need to reinforce force it and continue, to improve on it. I want to thank you, madam, chairperson and your team for the kind and warm reception,” Dr Bawumia said.
Receiving the nomination, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa noted that this was the first time a sitting vice president had personally submitted a nomination form to contest in the national election.
She assured Dr Bawumia that the EC would immediately scrutinize the nomination form.
“As part of the Commission’s effort to ensure a transparent, credible and accountable process, the Commission has developed a detailed checklist that embodies the criteria to be satisfied by presidential nominees as prescribed by law.
“The checklist will guide the scoring and awarding of marks by teams established by the [Electoral] Commission to scrutinise and review each nomination form submitted,” she said.
Meanwhile, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, is also expected to file his nomination later in the day.