Vice President Bawumia Reveals Humble Beginnings: 'I Was a Taxi Driver and Cleaner Abroad'

In a candid revelation, Ghana's Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has shared the difficult experiences he encountered during his upbringing and university years, as he officially submits his forms to vie for the NPP presidential primaries.

Reflecting on the journey that has brought him to this stage, Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude for the challenging path he has traversed. During his time at the esteemed University of Oxford, he disclosed that he struggled to pay for just one term of school fees. To make ends meet, he took on various jobs, including cleaning dormitories and even working as a taxi driver. Despite these hardships, he exhibited resilience and determination, successfully completing his studies.

"It has not been an easy journey. It has taken a lot of hard work, discipline, and patience to get here. I have walked to school growing up in Moshie Zongo in Tamale. I have been a day worker on farms during holidays in secondary school, a warehouse boy even after finishing university, and a minicab driver. I was only able to pay fees for one term during my studies at Oxford University and had to survive for the rest of my studies without paying fees, thanks to my College. I only settled my fees in arrears after I started work following the completion of my PhD in Canada. I have also been a cleaner of dormitories in my university days in Canada," Dr. Bawumia revealed.

His challenging background has endowed him with a profound understanding of the struggles faced by many people in Ghana. Dr. Bawumia emphasized his unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the disadvantaged and marginalized members of society.

"I care about the poor, the vulnerable, and the excluded. I care about the Lepers, the sick, sickle cell sufferers, cancer patients, the disabled, Kayayei, street children, and the unemployed among others. This is the true essence of life – to address the problems of the weakest among us and to help them lift themselves up," he asserted.

Dr. Bawumia also stressed his belief in the transformative power of hard work and its associated rewards. He highlighted his dedication and integrity in his previous roles, including his position as Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana and his current role as Vice President.

"I am not afraid of hard work. In fact, I enjoy hard work. My experience in life tells me that honesty and hard work pay off. I worked hard for H.E. President Kufuor as Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana, and I have worked hard as Vice President in assisting President Nana Akufo-Addo in achieving his vision. Together, we have started the process of transforming Ghana into a country ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution. I brought honesty, hard work, dedication, and discipline to my role as Vice President," Dr. Bawumia declared.

Given his personal history and unwavering commitment to serving the needs of the Ghanaian people, Dr. Bawumia's bid for the NPP presidential primaries has garnered significant attention. As the country looks towards the future, many will be closely following the unfolding race, eager to witness the outcomes.