A Political Science lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Prof. Etse Sikanku, has said the role of Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2012 election petition contributed significantly to the democratic growth of Africa.

Speaking on his book, titled “Dr Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency in Ghana”, during an interview on Asaase Radio, Prof. Sikanku stressed that the election petition was the moment Dr Bawumia endeared himself to NPP supporters and Ghanaians at large.

“It was a very pivotal moment in terms of our democratic growth because we became an example for a lot of nations. In Kenya, if you realise, they cited us copiously in their own election petition,” he noted.

Prof. Sikanku added that it became such an example for the rest of the world.

“So, Ghana once again becomes a shining example for African growth and democracy that we can solve our political differences not through the barrel of gun or cutlasses or walking on the street and destroying properties, but through a battle in the law court,” he indicated.

Consequently, the lecturer stressed that it was a good advertisement for Ghanaian democracy. “And guess who was at the centre of that particular illuminating part of our history. It was Dr Bawumia, ” Prof. Sikanku said.

Some analysts have described the 2012 election petition hearing as the platform that projected Dr Bawumia as a force in Ghanaian politics due to his dexterity as the New Patriotic Party’s star witness in the case.

Though the NPP lost the petition,  Dr Bawumia’s performance served as a fertile ground for the advancement of his standing with the Ghanaian public, as he displayed his eloquence, intelligence, analytical mind and skills, and complete mastery of debate in the full glare of Ghanaians on national television.

In his book which was recently launched, Dr Sikanku highlighted the significant contributions of Dr. Bawumia to Ghana’s political landscape. It uses Dr Bawumia as a case study to explore the evolving role and significance of the vice presidency in Ghana.

It points up how Dr. Bawumia has transformed the vice presidency from a largely ceremonial role into a dynamic and influential position within Ghana’s government.

The book details Dr. Bawumia’s contributions to political discourse, his influence on key policy decisions and the implementation of numerous impactful programmes.

It presents an in-depth analysis of how Dr Bawumia has effectively utilised the vice presidency to drive significant change and development in various sectors, including digital transformation, economic policy, and social interventions.

The book is expected to spark further debate and research on the role of vice presidents in democratic governance, highlighting how effective leadership at this level can drive national progress.