Former President John Dramani Mahama has offered reasons for his decision to stage a comeback to power once more following his defeats in the 2016 and 2020 Presidential Elections.
According to him, the decision lies in his party’s demand for his experience and knowledge in “rescuing” the country which is now literally in a ditch and steer it towards economic fortunes.
During a visit to the Manhyia Palace on December 3 accompanied by some party members, he disclosed he had resigned himself to farming in the Northern part of the country alongside his wife, Mrs Lordina Mahama, their children and grandchildren after the 2020 defeat.
However, he reconsidered after his party insisted he led them into the 2024 elections.
His party, he said, are without an iota of doubt that the power to turn things around in Ghana lies with him.
“I was on retirement when my party came to me to urge me to come rescue the country from the ravages the current administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has caused it. They subsequently elected me at party level to lead them into the 2024 elections which is just around the corner.”
Disregard for Ashanti Region
The former President used the occasion to highlight the general under-performance of the governing party especially in the Ashanti Region and assured of his dedication to the development of the Region which stands as the second most populated region in the country.
According to him, such a dedication led to the development of key infrastructures in the region including the Kumasi International Airport, the Kejetia Market project, the Afari Military Hospital and the Sewua Regional Hospital.
Some of these project, he said were completed, with the ones left uncompleted still crying for attention as the current government has abandoned them.
“Kumasi hasn’t gotten the attention it needs. Elsewhere, second most populous regions such as Kumasi are inundated with development. We are very well aware of the benefits such cities give a country and that is why NDC governments ensure reasonable allocation of resources to all.”
He called to mind that some of his projects which stand abandoned and still uncompleted are the Kejetia Market Phase II, the Afari Military Hospital, the Sewua Regional Hospital and the Kumasi International Airport which is still yet to fully function despite being commissioned.
Mr Mahama believes these projects would have been completed had his government not been voted out of power.
He also highlighted over 10 E-blocks that were constructed in the region, water projects and others to highlight his commitment to the region’s development.
“All these were necessary for the country’s largest city.”
He put forth the view that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) tend to trivialize the Region’s progress whenever they are in power knowing it is its stronghold.
“Most projects they pledged to undertake in the region are not delivered. While taking over power in 2013 with the late Prof John Evans Atta Mills as President, the Sofoline interchange started by President Kufuor was at 34%. We left it at 84% completed while exiting.”
Regression
The former President also accused the current president of over borrowing and superintending over the country into regression across all sectors.
“We have to rise and rescue the country from the economic decline.”
He promised to complete all projects his government left behind as well as that of the current government when elected into office, recognising that they were developed with taxpayers’ money.
“We won’t rush to start new projects. We will complete all uncompleted projects with the little money we will get…Our country has now retrogressed drastically…Whenever I visit places outside the country, I am constantly asked about what is happening to our economy.”
With regard to this, he outlined the inefficiency of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), poverty and unemployment rate, decline in economy and others.
Misinformation
He also expressed concern about the rate of misinformation by the NPP to discredit him.
One of them, he said is plans to cancel the Free SHS initiative.
He dispelled this as false, adding that he introduced a measure during his tenure which was to ensure a phased implementation of free SHS.
He vowed to the King that the initiative will not be cancelled but would be reviewed to be much better to offer quality education.
“I stand before you today, Nana, and tell you that what they are saying are lies.”
Unflinching Support
Mr Mahama also urged the King to bless him with his unflinching support if he succeeded in his quest to win power as he enjoyed in his previous administration over the country.
No Rivalry
The King in his speech affirmed that the visit by the NDC dispels speculations of a rivalry between the Manhyia Palace and the NDC.
“Your absence from Manhyia after you exited office ignited speculations of bad relations between us. You were elected before Napo but he came and you had not. Your speech has today confirmed Manhyia is your home. I want everyone to know that Manhyia cannot be sidelined in anything. I am like a mother, I accept everyone.”
The Monarch also called for peace during the election on December 7.
“Ghana is bigger than all. It must precede everything. The whole Ghana agrees on the four year election terms. It’s a form of accountability. They use it to show their satisfaction or otherwise. Here it comes again.”
“Use the campaign to advocate what you wish to do in power. I know you have by now done that. Ghanaians have heard you. They have decided who to vote for already. My prayer is for a peaceful election.
“Polling station is where the election will take place. That’s where the election is. Your agents will sign after counting. There’s no need for conflict. When we go by the laid down process, and no conflict breaks out, God will determine who will be King. No one will prevail by rigging.”
His Majesty also assured him of his blessings.
“You have my blessings but comprehensively advocate your policies…God will appoint his choice to lead. My blessings are with you and I pray God protects you and all you do prospers.”
