Member of Parliament for the Asunafo South Constituency, Eric Opoku, has extolled former President John Mahama.

To him, Mr Mahama is a man with a genuine heart and therefore it saddens him when he is attacked.

Mr Opoku has stated it is his greatest desire for Mr Mahama to win the 2024 election and rescue Ghana from the prevailing economic challenges it finds itself in.

The lawmaker stressed Ghana is at a point where it requires experienced hands which he believes Mr Mahama has and can turn the economy around.

He told Asempa FM’s Ekosi Sen Tuesday that Mr Mahama’s infrastructural development goes beyond and thus he will need more time to finish it.

“Ghana needs an experienced hand as president like John Mahama and so sometimes I get worried and it makes me sad to see people attacking him. We don’t need experiments again.

“Ghana is currently in its worst state since independence. The country is in the wrong direction and therefore it is important that we allow Mahama to come and save us,” he said.

Meanwhile, the campaign team of former President Mahama has filed his nomination to contest the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress slated for May 13, 2023.

They submitted the required documents as well as fees at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

• Police officer shot dead while having sex in car
• Daughter of NDC guru marries in colourful Islamic ceremony [Video]
• Meet Majid Michel’s beautiful sister who looks just like him

The National Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams, says he is not surprised about the decision of former mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu to join the flagbearership race of the party.

According to him, though it is Mr Bonsu’s democratic right to declare his intention, he lacks the qualities to lead the party.

“I’m not surprised Kojo Bonsu has come out to declare his intentions. It is his democratic right to contest and the same applies to anyone so he has the right to contest, I have no doubt about that.

“And remember that the butterfly can’t be of the same size as a bird no matter how much it eats. A butterfly can’t look like a bird regardless of how well it is made up. A butterfly that forces itself to be a bird always forgets that birds have stronger wings. They have feathers to keep them warm. They are well-equipped with natural features to surmount any danger. In other words, when a butterfly exposes itself to the dangers a bird faces on a usual day, it sets itself up for premature destruction,” he said on Accra based Okay FM monitored by Adomonline.com.

READ THESE ALSO

• The lies will expose you – Mahama jabs NPP over ‘economic hardship’

• Kojo Bonsu laughs off Ade Coker’s outburst [Audio]

• Audio: Is Mahama complaining about anyone contesting him – Kojo Bonsu questions

Kojo Bonsu’s decision to contest his former boss John Dramani Mahama has drawn a lot of criticisms from a lot of NDC stalwarts.

The former Kumasi mayor joins other party stalwarts such as former President John Dramani Mahama, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Prof Joshua Alabi.

READ ALSO: Man stones wife to death [Photos]

His announcement brings to twelve (12), the number of people who have so far given indications to lead the NDC for election 2020.

But Kofi Adams says the number of people wanting to lead the NDC is good for the party.

“In fact, having so many people declaring their intentions to lead the party means our party has become very attractive,” he stated.

Mr Adams said Mr Mahama is an excellent candidate for the party’s flagbearership slot.

A flagbearer hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kojo Bonsu says he sees nothing wrong contesting former President John Mahama.

According to the former Mayor, he has not fallen out with former President Mahama.

READ ALSO: I’ll kick the NPP out of power – Ken Agyapong

“I have great respect for John Mahama, I have chalked successes with him but the issue is about democracy in the party and the future of the party because if Mahama is not there then who leads the party, so it’s not about him or anyone.

“Mahama and I are not enemies. Has he said no one should contest him,” he quizzed.

Kojo Bonsu’s decision to contest his former boss John Dramani Mahama has drawn a lot of criticisms from a lot of NDC stalwarts.

ALSO: Kojo Bonsu ‘killed’ in spirit – Wontumi asserts (Audio)

Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party, Ade Coker, has called on him to rescind his decision.

But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen Thursday, the new entrant to the NDC Presidential race said contrary to widespread views that the 2016 election unity walk was a proxy for a John Mahama comeback, it was he Bonsu’s contribution to the party’s efforts to motivate and revitalise a despondent party.

READ ALSO: Cowbell in the Sky Day 4: Nana Yaa Brefo, Akrobeto can’t help but ask for more [Video+Photos]

According to Mr Bonsu, he is rather surprised that some NDC party members are questioning his competence to lead the party, saying that should be left to the delegates to decide.

Listen to Mr Kojo Bonsu address issues surrounding his bid in the audio above.

A statement from Professor Botchwey’s office said such reports stemmed from “some faceless people” looking to stain Professor Botchwey’s reputation.

“The office of Professor Kwesi Botchwey received with surprise the news being carried by myjoyonline news portal that he has picked a form to contest for the office of National Chairman in the upcoming NDC congress slated for later this year. The office wants to put it on record that, Professor Kwesi Botchwey has not authorised any person to pick a form on his behalf, or has he ever considered contesting for the office of NDC National Chairman.”

READ ALSO: Mahama doesn’t have the discipline to lead NDC – Former Ambassador

His office has said it will investigate the matter “and report this conduct to the National Executive Committee to bring to book the persons behind this desperate conduct.”

The statement however hinted that Professor Botchwey will be serving in some capacity within the NDC as it makes a bid to return to power.

“In the coming days, Professor Kwesi Botchwey shall publicly declare his intention and the capacity in which he will decide to lead the party for victory 2020,” the statement said.

READ ALSO: Marijuana can live in breast milk for up to 6 days, study finds

Find below the full statement

FROM THE OFFICE OF PROFESSOR KWESI BOTCHWEY

27/08/18

The office of Professor Kwesi Botchwey received with surprise the news being carried by myjoyonline news portal that, he has picked a form to contest for the office of National Chairman in the upcoming NDC congress slated for later this year.

The office wants to put it on record that, Professor Kwesi Botchwey has not authorised any person to pick a form on his behalf, or has he ever considered contesting for the office of NDC National Chairman.

We consider this act by some faceless people as desperate, wicked, and devious with the intent of portraying him as inconsistent with his decisions, and a deliberate attempt to create confusion in the mind of his teeming supporters.

The office shall investigate and report this conduct to the National Executive Committee to bring to book the persons behind this desperate conduct to book.

ALSO READ: Gov’t not using taxpayers’ money to build National Cathedral

In the coming days, Professor Kwesi Botchwey shall publicly declare his intention and the capacity in which he will decide to lead the party for victory 2020. We want to assure our teeming supporters that Prof. Kwesi Botchey remains resolute to the agenda agreed on.

‘Broken integrity’ caused NDC’s defeat – Kwesi Botchwey

Professor Kwesi Botchwey, who led the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) election 2016 fact-finding committee, recently noted that the party’s heavy defeat in the last election was partly due to a “breakdown of integrity.”

Speaking for the first time after submitting the committee’s findings to the NDC leadership, Prof. Botchwey said his committee observed that the breakdown of integrity was evident in the selection of people to various executive positions within the party

He was speaking at the 6th John Evans Atta Mills Commemorative Lecture at the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region.

The Ashanti Regional Council of Elders of National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared support for former President Mahama as the party gears up for who becomes flagbearer for 2020.

Members say his handling of the 2016 elections which saw a peaceful transfer of power to NPP, among other factors, makes him a good choice.

Speaking on Nhyira FM’s Kro yi mu Nsem Monday, the Council Chairman, Frank Osei Mensah said bluntly that none of the other aspirants will be entertained by his outfit.

READ THIS: Kofi Adams chickens out of NDC National Organiser contest [AMro]

According to him, Mr Mahama is tried and tested, describing his opponents as unknown to NDC grassroots in the region.

The NDC is expected to select its presidential candidate in September 2018.

Although some members of the party have already declared their intentions of contesting the position, John Dramani Mahama is yet to declare his interest.

He, however, gave a hint in a Facebook post recently stating that: “…the teeming supporters and sympathizers calling and requesting me to declare my intentions for the future, I wish to assure you today, which as a servant-leader, I have listened to your calls and reflected. I will not disappoint you even as we await the publication of the party’s guidelines for selecting a new leader.”

READ ALSO: John Mahama our best bet for victory 2020; he doesn’t need MPs’ endorsements – George Opare Addo

Several members of the NDC including Nadowli-Kaleo MP, Alban Bagbin, Dr Spio-Garbrah, former NHIA boss, Sylvester Mensah, Joshua Alabi, former MP for La-Dadekotopon, Nii Amasah Namoale among others, have given indications they will contest the flagbearership position in the NDC.

Head pastor and leader of Glorious Word Power International Ministry, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, insists former President Mahama will still lose the 2020 elections no matter what.

Rev Owusu Bempah has always insisted that Mr Mahama has no political future egging him to call it quits.

His comments come after the former president subtly declared his intention on Saturday to contest the 2020 elections on the ticket of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

READ ALSO: I traveled only 6 times since I became CEO – Kwadwo Antwi

Mr. Mahama who had been coy about his interest for the slot wrote on Facebook last Saturday evening that he has reflected on the numerous calls on him to contest and will not disappoint his supporters.

“I want to congratulate the rank & file and executives of our party, the NDC, at all levels for the commitment and work rate we have put into our reorganization efforts.

“To you, the teeming supporters and sympathizers calling and requesting me to declare my intentions for the future, I wish to assure you today, that as a servant-leader, I have listened to your calls and reflected. I will not disappoint you even as we await the publication of the party’s guidelines for selecting a new leader,” Mr. Mahama wrote.

RELATED STORY: Mahama lets the cat out of the bag, says he is coming back in 2020

But speaking on the former President’s declaration, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah said though he is not surprised about Mr Mahama’s intention, it will be a waste of time on for him to contest in 2020 because he won’t win.

“I have always said it and still insist that Mahama will only disgrace himself in 2020 because he won’t win the election. He should go and rest, he can declare his intentions 100 times, I don’t mind and not shocked but then truth is that he won’t succeed” he said on Accra-based Neat FM as monitored by Adomonline.com.

RELATED STORY: Mahama hints of contesting election 2020

Rev. Owusu Bempah said many supporters of John Mahama have accused him of despising the former leader by making bad prophecies against him but insists Mr Mahama should retire as there’s no future for him, politically.

Rev. Owusu Bempah says Mahama has surrounded himself with inexperienced people who are only around to mislead him.

He said he has reflected on the numerous calls by the party’s teeming supporters and sympathizers to declare his intention to contest in 2020.

In a Facebook post, Saturday, Mr Mahama was coy on whether he will be the NDC’s flagbearer but said, “I will not disappoint you even as we await the publication of the party’s guidelines for selecting a new leader.”

LISTEN: AUDIO: I’m the next Youth Organizer- NPP’s Nana B

The issue of who leads the largest opposition party into the next general election in 2020 has been a hot potato for political analysts.

Mr Mahama polled a little above 44% of total votes cast in the last election, the lowest for an incumbent President, and lost the Presidency to the New Patriotic Party’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2016.

This has brought serious debate within the NDC as to whether he should be given the opportunity to serve his second term.

Some names making the rounds include former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) boss, Sylvester Mensah; Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin and former legislator for Ledzekuku, Joshua Alabi.

RELATED STORY: We will force Mahama to contest – Wontumi

When the former President was asked at one of their Unity Walks -organised to unite the party- in the Central Region last year he declined to state his stance.

He only stressed the need for the leadership of the Party across the structures -Branch, Constituency, Regional and National – to work towards educating supporters on the ongoing Branch reorganization activities.

He implored the executives to use the opportunity to build up the support base of the party in their communities.

Speaking on the issue recently in Bolgatanga, Mr Mahama said with the branch elections of the party completed and “the reorganization of the party is on track…the time is arriving when I need to make a decision.”

Reaffirming his commitment to running for the number one post of the land again, he congratulated the rank and file as well as all executives of the NDC at all levels for the commitment and work rate for their efforts at the reorganization the party.

WATCH: VIDEO: Don’t gag Mahama’s contenders – Sylvester Mensah

“The zeal and determination of the average sympathizer of our great party is greater and miles ahead of what it was after the December 2016 Elections.

“We need to keep up with the momentum generated and follow the published timelines,” he added.

Akufo-Addo inspecting some projects

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has scoffed at his political opponents saying, they would have no campaign message going into the 2020 elections.

Commissioning a health administration block in Asunafo North in the Brong Ahafo Region Saturday, he said he would have fulfilled his 2016 campaign promises by the end of his first term of office in 2020.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, he said those saying his administration has done nothing over the last 16 months in office are the same persons who, prior to the 2016 elections, they could not do most of what he promised to do.

“To those who say they are still not seeing anything, they should wait and watch me. By the end of the four years, they will have nothing to say. They will acknowledge that we came to work for the development of Ghana,” he added.

According to Boadu, Mahama after performing abysmally in the last Presidential elections wants to stage a comeback and lead the NDC as its flag bearer for the 2020 general elections.

This, he noted, is an open secret to all followers of the NDC and the Ghanaian populace in general.

READ ALSO: Election 2020: Scores of NDC members will die if…Allotey Jacobs

The unity walk, Boadu alleges, is, therefore, a springboard being used by the former Ghanaian Leader to test his popularity among the rank and file of the NDC.

Mr. Mahama, during the weekend in the Upper East regional capital, Bolgatanga, announced to party faithful that he is close to announcing his political future.

“I have spoken to many people who have the interest of the party at heart. And sooner rather than later, I think very very soon, I will make my political future clear,” the former President stated.

But the Acting Chief Scribe of the NPP reacting to the former President’s statement in an interaction with Accra-based Okay FM, Monday, May 7, 2018, urged Mr. Mahama to tell the world that he is contesting for the party’s flag bearership position again because his political future is already known by all.

“Everybody knows that Mahama will contest as NDC Presidential Candidate again and so who is he deceiving when he said he is close to announcing his political future? We all know that Mahama is practising politics of deception. He is the one organizing this unity walk using the likes of Kojo Bonsu, of which it has attracted dissenting views from some other bigwigs in the party. This kind of deceptive politics does not hold again and so he should stop”, Boadu posited.