Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the making of the modern Vice Presidency

For a long time, the position of the Vice Presidency in Ghana was one of tradition and routine.

The unstated rule of thumb was to never appear overtly assertive.

Ghanaians had become accustomed to a moderated role of the Vice President.

Even though an economist, he had come to understand and attain some measure of fame for his political communication skills.

Public expectations of the Vice President are now at a historical high in Ghana.

And that is a good thing.

Contemporary observers of political communication have called attention to his radical departure from the quiet and limited role of communication when it comes to the number two position.

As political communication scholars James Ceaser, Glen Thurow, Jeffrey Tulis and Joseph Bessette have noted, in an information saturated age, while speech cannot replace policy, “speaking is governing”, and very much an intrinsic part of responsible and democratic leadership.  If for nothing at all, it helps to carry the people along while maintaining a connection for better understanding, support, and deliberation of national affairs.

His research focuses on global political communication, international communication, comparative discourses, media and issue-framing.