Flying High, Ignoring the Ground: Samira Bawumia’s Convenient Amnesia Leaves Fulani Communities Behind – Ahmed M. Gedel writes

As Ghana careens towards the 2024 elections, Samira Bawumia’s actions have exposed a stunning case of hypocrisy. The wife of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been leveraging the CASA 295 military aircraft for campaign activities, the same plane her party vehemently criticized when purchased by former President John Mahama.

This audacious move lays bare the NPP government’s priorities: power over people. While Samira Bawumia soars through the skies, Ghana’s marginalized communities, particularly the Fulanis, remain grounded in poverty and neglect.

The Fulani, a nomadic ethnic group, face numerous challenges. Land disputes and evictions threaten their livelihoods, while limited access to education and healthcare exacerbates their vulnerability. Economic marginalization has become a constant companion.

Instead of addressing these pressing issues, Samira Bawumia exploits Fulani as a political tool to garner support for her husband and the NPP. Empty promises and fleeting attention have become the hallmark of the NPP’s engagement with the Fulani.

The NPP government’s manifesto promises to improve the lives of Ghanaians, including the Fulani, to remain unfulfilled. Uncompleted rural development projects, inadequate healthcare facilities, and unaddressed land conflicts testify to the government’s inaction.

As the election countdown ticks down to days, Ghanaians must demand accountability. Transparency in government spending, tangible solutions for marginalized communities, and an end to political exploitation are non-negotiable.

The Fulani and all Ghanaians deserve better. It’s time to prioritize their needs over political opportunism. Samira Bawumia’s convenient amnesia won’t fly; the people will remember.

Ahmed M.Gedel
Former NDC Technical Advisor on Biometric and NDC Rep@ IPAC &UNDP-Ghana.