Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s newly elected flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2028 general elections, was recently recognised by Sir Paul Collier, a globally respected economist and professor at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, as one of the “top three brilliant students” he has encountered a rare academic commendation that has garnered attention both at home and abroad.
Bawumia’s mention by Collier came during a career celebration event for Professor Collier at Oxford, held on 4 February 2026. The ceremony, hosted by the prestigious Blavatnik School of Government a world-class public policy institution at the University of Oxford known for training global leaders brought together academics, policymakers and former students to honour Collier’s decades of work in economics and development.
Sir Paul Collier, a British economist with deep expertise in development economics and African growth strategies, is widely recognised for his influential work on poverty, conflict, governance and economic policy. His publications, including The Bottom Billion and The Future of Capitalism, have shaped how global institutions approach economic development in fragile states and emerging markets.
It was in this high-profile academic setting that Collier, referencing his experience as a mentor and educator, singled out Dr Bawumia for his exceptional intellectual capabilities during his PhD studies in the early 2000s. The endorsement highlighting Bawumia as one of the most intellectually gifted students Collier had encountered carries weight in academic and policy circles, particularly because Oxford’s postgraduate environment is known for its intellectual rigour and competitive standards.
Bawumia’s academic credentials and early career
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has long been recognised for his scholarly drive. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Oxford, where he specialised in monetary economics. His academic focus centred on macroeconomic policy, financial regulation and the role of institutions in fostering economic stability areas that would later anchor his policy prescriptions in public service.
Before entering public office, Bawumia’s academic training also included postgraduate studies in financial economics at McGill University in Canada and professional experience at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he worked on financial sector oversight and monetary policy frameworks. His early career thus married rigorous academic training with practical exposure to global economic policymaking.
Political journey and public service
Bawumia’s transition from academia and economic policy to frontline politics began with his appointment as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, where he played a key role in modernising the central bank’s operational frameworks and advocating for financial sector reforms. His performance in that role laid the groundwork for his later entry into elective politics.
In 2016, Dr Bawumia became the running mate of then-presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a partnership that brought him into the executive branch as Vice President of Ghana. He served in this capacity from 2017 to 2025, a period marked by ambitious digital transformation initiatives, fiscal and monetary collaborations, and a focus on expanding Ghana’s digital infrastructure. His supporters frequently cite initiatives such as improving digital payments, expanding internet connectivity and using technology to streamline public services as evidence of his policy acumen.
Bawumia’s elevation to NPP flagbearer in late January 2026 followed a competitive internal election, positioning him as the front-runner to contest the presidency in the 2028 national polls. The endorsement from an Oxford academic especially one as distinguished as Sir Paul Collier came at a critical moment, boosting his intellectual credentials among Ghanaians and international observers alike.
Supporters hail the endorsement; Critics take issue
Back home in Ghana, reactions to the Oxford professor’s praise have been sharply divided. Supporters of Bawumia have seized on Collier’s remarks as confirmation that their flagbearer combines intellectual rigour with political ambition. They argue that such a combination is essential for tackling the complex economic and governance challenges facing Ghana.
Meanwhile, critics point to the country’s economic struggles during Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President, including persistently high inflation, rising public debt and currency volatility. For them, academic brilliance no matter how widely acknowledged must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives if it is to justify political leadership at the highest level.
Contextualising the praise
It is worth noting that being singled out by a leading economist at Oxford reflects not only individual capacity but also the value of international academic exposure in shaping leaders who understand global economic dynamics. The Blavatnik School of Government emphasises evidence-based policy, ethical leadership and international cooperation qualities many believe are necessary as Ghana prepares to grapple with economic recovery, job creation, and long-term stability.
With the 2028 elections on the horizon, the conversation around Bawumia’s academic pedigree, professional experience, and leadership vision is likely to intensify, as both supporters and detractors use every available lens including academic endorsements to make their case to voters.