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Bawumia's Role Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 11:35 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

Accra, Ghana - January 14th, 2026 - A public dispute is unfolding regarding the circumstances surrounding Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia's continued role in the Akufo-Addo government. Following recent allegations made by former Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) lecturer, Richard Ahiagbah, has stepped forward to strongly refute the claims and defend Bawumia's contributions.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng's allegations, recently surfaced in several media outlets, suggest that Bawumia's re-election and ongoing tenure involved "machinations and interference behind the scenes." The former advisor's assertions have understandably stirred considerable debate within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and across the Ghanaian political landscape. While the specifics of the alleged manipulation remain vague, the implication is a questioning of the legitimacy and transparency of Bawumia's continued influence within the government.

Ahiagbah's response, delivered through a public statement released earlier today, directly challenges Frimpong-Boateng's narrative. He characterized the accusations as "untrue" and emphasized the significant and tangible contributions Bawumia has made to the Akufo-Addo administration's core policies. Ahiagbah's defense centers on Bawumia's instrumental role in driving Ghana's digital transformation and implementing key economic reforms.

"It is rather unfortunate that Prof. Frimpong-Boateng would make such a statement, suggesting that Bawumia's re-election was a result of some manipulation," Ahiagbah stated, underscoring his disappointment and disagreement with the former advisor's assertions. He argued that Bawumia's value to the government goes beyond mere political maneuvering.

Ahiagbah's defense specifically highlights Bawumia's pivotal role in championing digitalization across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy and government operations. This effort, he argues, has yielded substantial benefits, impacting everything from financial inclusion to public service delivery. Several examples frequently cited include the Mobile Money Interoperability Project, the digital address system, and various online portals for government services. These initiatives, supporters argue, have demonstrably improved efficiency and transparency in government processes, contributing significantly to economic growth and overall governance improvements.

While Frimpong-Boateng's claims have injected an element of controversy into the discussion surrounding Bawumia's position, Ahiagbah's rebuttal reinforces the perception of Bawumia as a key driver of positive change within the Akufo-Addo government. The timing of Frimpong-Boateng's allegations is particularly noteworthy. The nation is gearing up for a general election in 2028, and internal party dynamics are intensifying. This public dispute could influence candidate selection and the overall political narrative as the NPP seeks to retain power.

The allegations, and Ahiagbah's defense, are occurring against a backdrop of ongoing economic challenges facing Ghana, including inflation and concerns about debt sustainability. Bawumia's role as head of the Economic Management Team has been scrutinized, and while he and his supporters point to digitalization as a long-term solution, critics argue that the immediate economic pressures require more conventional and aggressive interventions. This context further complicates the debate surrounding his continued relevance and influence within the government.

Sources within the NPP have indicated that while Frimpong-Boateng's criticisms have garnered attention, they have not significantly weakened Bawumia's position within the party. However, the public nature of the dispute and the questions it raises about transparency will likely remain a subject of political discussion in the coming months. The situation underscores the inherent complexities of political alliances and the delicate balance between acknowledging past contributions and addressing present concerns.