President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asserted that he does not possess the authority to impose a presidential candidate on Ghanaians for the forthcoming general election.

Nevertheless, at 80 years old and having served two consecutive terms, he feels qualified to offer guidance on a suitable successor.

Speaking to clergy and members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs in Wa, President Akufo-Addo remarked: “As President, I cannot impose anybody on you. I don’t have the power, and I don’t have the interest. Just as I was elected, the next person to stand here in my shoes will also be elected by the people of Ghana.”

The President expressed strong support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasising that he is the best candidate to advance the government’s initiatives in vital sectors such as road infrastructure, agriculture, education, and health. Reflecting on their nearly two-decade-long partnership, President Akufo-Addo praised Bawumia as “a hard-working, honest, trustworthy man” endowed with “deep knowledge, great experience in economic policy and management” and “a man of great loyalty.”

He underscored that Dr. Bawumia has been “deeply involved” in nearly all policies his administration has rolled out, positioning him as well-equipped to continue the government's agenda and achieve success.