The Presiding Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (A.M.E. Zion Church), Western West Africa Episcopal District, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, has described former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a man of integrity, humility, and faithfulness.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Dogbe made the remarks when Dr. Bawumia led a delegation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana.
Addressing the gathering, the respected cleric recounted his long-standing relationship with Dr. Bawumia, revealing that his admiration for the former Vice President was formed during their very first meeting.
According to Bishop Dogbe, he has encountered many influential individuals in life whose conduct often leaves much to be desired. However, his experience with Dr. Bawumia was markedly different.
“There are people in your life whom you are sometimes even ashamed to introduce. There are people who, because of their authority and power, pretend not to know you or do not want anybody close to them,” he said.
He added that there are also individuals whose negative energy makes one unwilling to engage with them beyond an initial encounter.
“In my first encounter with him, I sensed great humility. I sensed integrity, and I sensed faithfulness,” the Bishop stated.
He recalled advising Dr. Bawumia during that first meeting to remain focused, serve faithfully, and stand firm on the principles that had guided him into leadership.
The church leader said those words of counsel have remained relevant over the years as he has continued to observe Dr. Bawumia’s public and private conduct.
“To all intents and purposes, we have moved beyond that first and second encounter to the point where I am never ashamed to present him or introduce him anywhere as a brother and a friend because that is who he is,” he noted.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Dogbe further described Dr. Bawumia as someone whose presence and interactions inspire confidence and positive energy.
“When you engage with someone whose interactions with you whether physical, verbal, or electronic leave you sensing great energy flowing through you, then you know you are in the right space and the right connection. That is what Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia brings strongly to the table,” he said.
The Presiding Bishop used the occasion to once again counsel the NPP flagbearer to remain steadfast and focused despite the many challenges and distractions that accompany public life and political leadership.
“My prayer in every engagement with him has always been the same: be focused. Be focused on your message. Be focused on everything that you stand for. In this life and in this world, there are so many distractions, both personal and social. But when you keep your focus on what is set before you, you will not be distracted by any power, authority, schemes, or manipulations,” he advised.
He also commended Dr. Bawumia for remaining faithful to the values instilled in him by his parents, teachers, and mentors throughout his journey.
“You have leaned faithfully on the teachings of your parents. You have leaned faithfully on the teachings of your teachers. You have leaned faithfully on the wisdom of the great men and women around you. Continue to be faithful,” Bishop Dogbe urged.
Touching on leadership principles, the cleric encouraged Dr. Bawumia to remain committed to sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity, stressing that genuine leadership is built on character rather than the desire to please people.
“Stand firm on the principles that have brought you this far—the principles of sincerity, faithfulness, integrity, and everything that makes someone a good person, not a people-pleaser,” he stated.
The Bishop expressed confidence that if Dr. Bawumia remains true to these values, God’s purpose for his life will ultimately be fulfilled.
He further advised Dr. Bawumia to exercise discernment, especially regarding the individuals he chooses to surround himself with, noting that the quality of one’s associates can significantly influence success or failure.
“As people of God, we speak of prophecies and visions, but you must also pray for discernment. The people you surround yourself with are very important because your success or failure during the campaign, after the campaign, and in everything else will depend on those around you,” he cautioned.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Dogbe reaffirmed his friendship with Dr. Bawumia and assured him of his continued prayers and support.
“My brother and my friend, it is always good to see you, and I will continue to pray God’s blessings for you,” he said.
The consultative meeting formed part of Dr. Bawumia’s engagements with key religious and civil society stakeholders as he continues discussions on national issues and his vision for Ghana’s future.
By 1960news.com
