Bawumia’s Political Journey Reflects Atta Mills’ Legacy – Anyidoho

Koku Anyidoho, Founder of the Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership and Service (MILLS) Institute, has drawn notable parallels between the political trajectory of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, and the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

In a commentary on February 1, 2026, Anyidoho reflected on how Atta Mills entered national politics as Vice President under former President Jerry John Rawlings. He emphasised that loyalty to a political leader should not be mistaken for weakness.

“When Professor Atta Mills entered the political scene as Vice President, he had no option but to be loyal to President JJ Rawlings. His humility and loyalty were sometimes misconstrued as weakness, with some even labeling him a 'poodle,’” Anyidoho said.

He recalled that Atta Mills faced internal resistance when Rawlings endorsed him as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2000 elections, noting that his electoral loss was not a rejection by the people but rather due to perceptions of him being in Rawlings’ shadow.

“Professor Atta Mills eventually established his own identity, which endeared him to Ghanaians. His message of humility, peace, and love for God and country helped him rise to the presidency,” Anyidoho added.

Drawing a direct comparison to Dr Bawumia, he suggested that history may be repeating itself. Bawumia, like Atta Mills, was picked as a deputy by a party leader, served loyally, was endorsed to lead, faced challenges of being perceived as an outsider, lost an election, and ultimately carved out his own political identity.

Anyidoho’s remarks follow Dr Bawumia’s recent election as the NPP flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections, where he garnered a commanding majority over contenders including Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Dr Bryan Acheampong, and Kwabena Agyepong.

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