He claims the Electoral Commission (EC) is in a potential tangent to manipulate outcomes of the general election. 

According to the former President, the Commission’s new Ghana Card identification directive will deprive some Ghanaians of their right to vote. 

Despite opposition from sections of the populace, the Electoral Commission is proceeding with the use of the Ghana Card for the compilation of the new voters’ register.

This leaves non-Ghana card-bearing Ghanaian voters incapable to participate in the 2024 general election. 

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress describes the new directive as unnecessary.

Mr Mahama said the NPP will fasten on the bendable EC leadership and activities to retain power. 

“The New Patriotic Party led by President Akufo-Addo has shown that they are prepared to resort to electoral manipulation through the pliant and partisan leadership of the Electoral Commission to hang on to power.

“It is our responsibility to give expression and manifestation to the desire of the Ghanaian people for change by remaining eternally vigilant and ensuring that the change is secured through democratic means and that no effort at undermining the change through rigging or other forms of manipulation will succeed. 

“It is in this light that we in the NDC wish to make clear that we will resist and prevent any sinister plot by the EC to manipulate the outcome of the 2024 elections, even before the first ballot is cast, through the needless and unacceptable insistence on the Ghana card as the only means of registration. 

“The EC remains intransigent and appears determined to make it difficult for sections of our population to have their names on the voters register, by restriction identification for that purpose to only the Ghana card, which as we all know is not available to all Ghanaians,” he said. 

The former President was speaking at the Alumni Connect of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network of NDC at the Kwame University of Science and Technology (TEIN-KNUST).

The Alumni Connect mobilises leaders of the NDC and mentors the young members of the party for active political engagement. 

This year’s event was themed “Empowering TEIN: unlocking potentials, building the bridges of Change”. 

President of the Association, Selma Yoda, admonished the party’s youth wing to join in the struggle to wrestle power from the NPP. 

“It’s not only just about TEIN but also their use in the country. Even if you are not a polling agent, you can mobilize people from your jurisdiction, wherever you live, wherever you work.

“You can preach the good word of the NDC, and you can preach the name of John Dramani Mahama,” she said.

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Mr Mahama will address the Institution’s 53rd annual national conference, which started on June 19, 2023. 

He will speak at the Conference on “Asset Valuation as a global anti-corruption Tool” and is expected to discuss how corruption in its various forms negatively impacts economies. 

A statement signed by Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari said Mr Mahama will also make far-reaching recommendations to the Conference on how to professionally use valuation and standards to curb corruption.

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Mr Mahama, who is seeking to be elected as NDC flagbearer and subsequently the President of Ghana, said this as part of his Greater Accra Regional campaign tour.

He was addressing delegates at Ashaley Botwe in the Adentan constituency, noting the NDC is determined to prevent any possible rigging.

Mr Mahama’s comment is in connection with the third witness of the 2020 election petition at the Supreme Court, Rojo Mettle-Nunoo’s revelation.

Metel-Nunoo told the court in 2021 that when he left the strong room to meet the Electoral Commission (EC) Chair, Mrs Jean Mensa, on December 9, 2020, he was offered tea at her office while waiting for hours.

He made the statement during the cross-examination by Counsel for the EC, Mr Amenuvor, who insisted that Mr Mettle-Nunoo left the strong room on his own volition and waited at the EC Chair’s office for over three hours, during which period he was offered tea and biscuits.

But Mr Mettle-Nunoo insisted that he left the strong room after a phone call to the EC Chair, in which the latter invited him to her office, adding that while he was there “I was offered tea – I was not offered biscuits.”

However, Mr Mahama has indicated all the agents will be provided with tea and digestive biscuit.

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“We will remain at the collation centres until every ballot has been counted. We’ll match them in the EC’s Strong Room.

“Those we select to go to the Strong Room, we will give them our own tea and digestive biscuits to take with them,” he declared amidst loud cheers from the delegates.

According to him, Mr Mahama will win by 100,000 votes though currently the registered voters in the constituency are 99,600.

He explained that Ningo Prampram constituency is the fastest growing district in Ghana, hence it’s possible there will be an over 80% increase in registered voters after new registration is done.

 “It was lovely seeing former President Mahama on the ground. And it was a fantastic encounter with the delegates when he came. I think his message resonated with us.

“The feedback from his message shows how galvanized the base is. I can speak for my constituency and I know that it’s replicating across the country,” he said on Accra-based Metro TV.

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He expressed his gratitude to Mr Mahama and his campaign team for the visit to his constituency.

Mr Mahama on Friday, April 14, 2023, met the delegates in the Ningo Prampram constituency as part of his campaign tour nationwide.

According to Chairman Wontumi as he is popularly called, it will be no different from the comeback of former Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajevac.

The Serbian coach was a hero in 2010 after leading Ghana to the AFCON final and World Cup quarter-finals but in 2022 became the worst coach to have led the Black Stars to an AFCON tournament.

The Black Stars exited the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon without winning a single game, which was the first in the history of the country.

A similar fate, Chairman Wontumi stressed awaits John Mahama in the 2024 general elections.

The former President has promised that, his next government would put measures in place to help revamp businesses collapsed under President Akufo-Addo.

But Chairman Wontumi urged Ghanaians not to believe Mahama’s promises as he failed in his first attempt as President.

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“John Mahama cannot lead Ghana. Do you recall Coach Milovan? Do you remember his first and second terms as coach of the national team? John Mahama’s behaviour is just like Milovan. He has nothing new to offer” he said on Accra-based Neat FM.

Ghana became the third African country to play in the quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa under Mr Rajevac.

According to him, this will improve political governance, help curb corruption and ensure the respect for human rights in the country.

Addressing National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives and supporters as part of his campaign to lead his party to the 2024 elections, Mr Mahama said membership of the proposed Governance Advisory Council will include representatives of civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and ordinary Ghanaians.

According to Mr Mahama who is promising to wage a sustained war against corruption and poor governance when elected in 2024, the functions of the Council will include the annual release of a State of Governance in Ghana report.

“Every year, the Council will release a report on the state of human rights, corruption, and a report on our governance, which will serve as a guide for government to know whether we are on the right track with regard to issues of governance, corruption, human rights, media, and other freedoms including torture and crime,” Mr Mahama said.

The establishment of the Governance Advisory Council as promised by President Mahama will be yet another significant step in his quest to promote better governance and fight corruption. 

In his first term as President, Mr Mahama introduced a Code of Ethics for Ministers of State and Government Appointees.

The code of ethics reflected his government’s vision to maintain a clean government imbued with systems, clear procedures and guidelines for performance and delivery. 

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He reminded Ministers of state that while there are issues that would be accepted in the traditional and cultural context, they are unacceptable under governance ethics and legal conduct.

“One of the strongest ways to prevent unacceptable conduct and abuse of office by public officials is to demarcate the ethical boundaries within which actions and inactions could be deemed to be acceptable or unacceptable”, he noted.

Mr Mahama says the security forces must remain neutral at all times regardless of the circumstances. 

According to him, their loyalty is to the State and not an individual or a political party. 

He was addressing branch and constituency executives of Lower West Akyem and Upper West Akyem constituencies at Asamankese in the Eastern Region.

Mr Mahama said political parties come in and out of office but the State must remain the State. 

The NDC flagbearer aspirant urged the security agencies to be fair and transparent in handling political matters. 

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“Security agencies, your loyalty is to the state and not to a political party. You don’t have to support only one political party when chaos erupts. You need to be neutral,” he said.

“The NPP should not even think of rigging the elections because the NDC would mark them boot for boot,” he said.

According to him, the NDC grassroots had been well positioned to protect the ballot boxes very well.

Mr Mahama said this when he addressed party executives and delegates in the Abuakwa South, Abuakwa North, Fanteakwa South and Fanteakwa North constituencies in the Eastern Region as part of his three-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region.

Team

Mr Mahama, who is seeking the mandate of NDC delegates to lead the party in the 2024 presidential election, was accompanied by some stalwarts of the party on his tour of the constituencies.

They included Professor Joshua Alabi; Former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah and the immediate past National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo.

Mr Mahama stated that the NDC had already prepared mentally, physically and psychologically to police the ballot boxes very well.

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He entreated constituency executives to be resolute and resist any move by the NPP to rig the 2024 general elections.

Mr Mahama further noted that, the NDC would not countenance any move by the NPP to rig the elections.

He urged party members to remain vigilant during the polls.

“The NPP should not even think of rigging the elections because the NDC would mark them boot for boot,” he said.

According to him, it was to depict the readiness of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to emerge victorious in the 2024 election.

However, Mr. Mahama said it has been misinterpreted to mean the NDC’s quest to resort to violence in the election.

The 2024 NDC flagbearer hopeful made the clarification while addressing party supporters in the Fanteakwa South Constituency on Wednesday as part of his Eastern Region tour.

“The 2024 election is not going to be a joke. That is why I said it will be do or die. But when I said do or die some people have twisted it to mean that we are going to cut people with cutlasses, bows and arrows.

“No, that is not do or die. Do or die means a determination to succeed in a very important venture,” he explained.

Mr Mahama’s clarification comes in the wake of a petition against him by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) filed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for inciting violence.

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The petition filed by the NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye is demanding the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the former President.

NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia is also included in the petition over a similar comment made while addressing party faithful after winning the chairmanship bid.

This according to him, has resulted in New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathisers being left off the hook.

The former President was speaking at Akyem-Mosease in the Eastern region on the second day of his three-day tour to the Eastern region.

Mr Mahama explained that, during the NDC’s tenure in office, the government allowed every licensed miner, regardless of their background, the opportunity to work on concessions, without discrimination.

According to him, the most disturbing aspect of the galamsey fight is the situation where seized mining equipment is handed over to NPP party faithful.

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“When NDC was in power, we didn’t discriminate. We didn’t say this person was NDC, NPP, CPP or PNC. Anybody who was licensed was allowed to work. But when these people took over, they have taken over people’s concessions, seized their excavators and given to NPP members to work, sidelining the rest of us but everything has an end. There will certainly be a change,” Mr Mahama said.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said its petition to the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) against former President Mahama and Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketia is a step in the right direction.

The NPP is demanding that the CID arrest, investigate and prosecute the NDC gurus for treasonable and offensive conduct.

The move comes after the NDC led by its Director of Legal Directorate, Abraham Amaliba petitioned the CID and the Inspector General of Police over the Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong’s statement that NPP will not hand over power to the NDC.

Per the petition, the NDC called for the arrest and prosecution of the Minister for Food and Agriculture over what they described as “reckless, dangerous, instigation and unparliamentary comments.”

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye argued that, their petition is not in reaction to the NDC but to ensure the law takes its course.

He cited how the NDC Suame Youth Organiser, Koampa Razak Avoliya, popularly known as Mosquito was made to face the law after he incited party members to violence ahead of the 2024 election as an example.

To Nana B, the comments by former President, John Mahama and NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia are worse than Razak’s own as they sought to undermine Ghana’s stability and must be made to face the law.

When asked what he will do if the Police does not invite Mr Mahama and Asiedu Nketia, Nana B stated he will engage his lawyers to determine the next line of action.

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The NPP National Organiser was however optimistic their expectations will be met given the assurance they had from the CID boss, DCOP Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh-Kwofie.

Nana B reiterated that, the NPP fully supports the comments of the Agric Minister, emphasising there was nothing wrong with it.

Play the audio above:

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam Show, he said the lawmakers were entitled to vote as per their will and that of their constituents and did not necessarily have to do the party’s bidding.

“If some Ghanaians were unsure of whom to vote for in the 2024 elections, NDC or John Mahama, some of us will advise them that it will be a disaster for the country.

“If there were such people before this conversation I’m sure by today they have realized that the NDC and former President John Dramani Mahama they present nothing but confusion, a clear and present danger to the sanity of Ghanaians.

“What he said was not something an elderly person should say but the current NDC leaders have proved that they are forceful and don’t like to follow laws. Today MPs are being insulted because they voted as per their will and that of their constituents,” he lashed out.

According to him, the addition of new ministers will not increase the government’s expenditure as they will inherit the same state assets used by their predecessors.

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“If anyone tells you that a reduction in the number of ministers will cut down government’s expenditure, it’s a lie.”

“All the approved ministers already are paid because they are MPs and government appointees. Ministers who resigned returned their official cars and their offices are going to be occupied by the new ones. So which cost are they talking about?”

He disclosed that although President Akufo-Addo has more appointees, the cost of running his public office is less.

“What Akufo-Addo has done that pleases some of us is that the cost of running his public office is less, Have you heard about double salaries in Akufo-Addo’s tenure? When John Mahama was president, ministers recyeive double salaries, one for being an MP and the other for being a minister.”

The vetting, which took place at the NDC headquarters, Accra is expected to commence at 10 am.

This is, according to publicity material issued by the Mahama communications team following the successful submission of his nomination forms last week.

Mr Mahama is competing in the race with former Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor, a former Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu and businessman Ernest Kwaku Kobeah who have successfully filed their nominations.

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Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NDC elections committee, Kakra Essamuah, has said the committee will thoroughly vet the aspirants on their qualifications for the position, ideologies and vision for the party.

“The next step is the vetting; the presidential will take place on Tuesday and the parliamentary vetting, will be the next two weeks probably the first week of April. We are working towards that,” he announced last week.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, he said the suggestion was a step in the right direction.

He indicated that political scientists have recommended this for years.

“It’s true that no individual can use only his resources to support his political ambition. So if President John Mahama has proposed that major political parties are supported, it is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Mr Mahama recommended that an explicit Public Funding of Political Parties Bill be put before parliament to deal with issues surrounding funding for political parties.

He said while there is still support for the state to fund the activities of political parties, he argues that taking into consideration the current fiscal climate in the country, such an option is not a viable one.

He said the Public Funding of Political Parties Bill would have to be bipartisan and inclusive in order for all issues surrounding political party financing to be covered appropriately.

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This he says is to prevent the current godfather-ism that is characterizing Ghana’s political landscape.

He said this while launching his JM 2024 fundraising platform to help raise funds for his presidential bid in the upcoming general election.

Mr Mahama’s 2020 Campaign Manager and NDC stalwart, Prof Joshua Alabi, led a delegation to submit the form on his behalf on Tuesday at the NDC headquarters, Adabraka.

Present with Mr Alabi were NDC gurus including Madam Valerie Sawyerr, Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Nii Ashie Moore and the Dean of all the national Chairmen, John Kwadwo Gyapong.

Members of Parliament including Ablekuma South MP; Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye (Odododiodoo), Theresa Awuni (Okaikoi North), Some Greater Accra constituency chairmen, former Deputy General Secretary, Peter Otukonor, Nii Laryea Afortey Agbo and Benita Okiti Duah, among others were also in attendance.

Mr Mahama will be contesting the election with former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, former Kumasi Mayor; Kojo Bonsu and UK-based businessman, Ernest Kobeah.

Former President John Mahama has said he will have sleepless nights if he does not contest the 2024 election to rescue Ghanaians from the prevailing economic hardship.

According to him, Ghana is at the stage it needs experience to turn around its economic fortune and not a trial and error person.

Addressing National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters at Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti region, he noted he wouldn’t have returned to contest the presidency.

“Who doesn’t enjoy rest? I have been a president before and all that would have been required of me is to enjoy retirement with my lady Lordina. But I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t come back.

“It is important for the experienced ones to come back and rescue the nation,” he said to loud cheers from the party supporters.

However, his return has been necessitated by the difficult place in which the country finds itself, adding it has to be returned to default settings.

“When you are working with a laptop and it begins to misbehave, you need to reset it so you can continue using it. So we need t reset Ghana so future generations can build on it,” he added.

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The flagbearer aspirant of the NDC lamented that aside from the suffering of Ghanaians, businesses are collapsing under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

The government he stated is also harassing owners with taxes and threatening to shut them down if they do not pay the taxes.

Ahead of the NDC primaries scheduled for May 13, 2023, Mr Mahama has visited four regions to court the support of party delegates.

He will be contesting the race with former Finance Minister; Dr Kwabena Duffuor, former Kumasi Mayor; Kojo Bonsu and UK-based businessman, Ernest Korbeah.

Play audio above:

He will visit all six constituencies of the region. 

This will be the last of the three-region tour that has taken him to the Bono East and Bono Regions.

The former president launched his campaign to seek the flagbearer mandate of the NDC in Ho and toured the Volta Region. 

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Mr Mahama, the presumptive presidential candidate of the NDC, is visiting branch and constituency executives across the country to canvass for an overwhelming endorsement of his candidature on May 13, 2023.  

He has, therefore, assured the families of all who lost their lives during the tragic incidents not to despair.

“Insha Allah, when we come into office, we will investigate the killings, bring the perpetrators to face the law and pay the appropriate compensations,” Mr Mahama announced during his campaign in the Techiman North constituency.

The eight lost their lives tragically, from gunshots, allegedly fired by military personnel during the 2020 election.

Mr Mahama is in the Bono East Region to meet delegates of the party ahead of the NDC May 13, 2023, presidential primaries.

Though considered the front runner and party officials asking him not to bother to campaign, the former president has decided to visit all 275 constituencies and interact directly with branch and constituency executives.

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He has since nominations were opened by the party, launched his campaign, and toured the Volta Region.

He is currently on a two-day tour of the Bono East Region and will continue to the Bono and Ahafo Regions.

Addressing party delegates at the Kintampo North Constituency of the region, Mr Mahama officially informed delegates of his intention to contest again as the party’s flagbearer.

He said the country needs a tried and tested politician like himself who can make the economy work again and also elevate it from the current economic hardship facing the people.

To him, the country is now broke and he is the only person in the NDC who has the experience and the acumen to withstand the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the next general election come 2024.

Ending his speech to the delegates, Mr Mahama advised five parliamentary aspirants who are contesting to lead the NDC in the Kintampo North Constituency to engage in clean campaigns devoid of insults.

According to his itinerary, the former President is expected to spend two days in the Bono East Region and is expected to visit Nkoranza North and South constituencies at the time of filing this report and continue to other areas tomorrow.

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Meanwhile, his visit has sparked argument among party supporters against some members of the ruling NPP supporters in the region on social media, as some alleged that the former president arrived at the Sunyani Airport in a private jet whilst 10 empty V8 vehicles drove from Accra to Sunyani to convey him and his closest entourage to Bono East to commence his campaign in the region.

Some of the residents stated, “This is someone who promises to cut down cost of expenditure, but in opposition, while crying to be president again is profligate with money and still find space to complain about government expenditure.”

According to him, he is a pensioner, adding he has spent the money that was paid to him.

“I say we will cancel ex gratia, if you will also cancel it say it but why are you insulting me and saying I should refund mine? Will you cancel it or you won’t, tell the people of Ghana but they are saying I should bring mine first.

“I have spent the money already and now I am a pensioner, where am I going to get that money to pay back? I am unemployed but they say bring yours to show you have good faith, I have no source of income, and you say I shouldn’t work,” he said.

Mr Mahama made these comments in response to calls for him to return all ex-gratia paid to him as a sign of good faith after he announced plans to scrap ex-gratia for Article 71 holders when elected as President in 2024.

This was during the campaign launch at Sokode in Ho ahead of the flagbearership elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday, March 2, 2024.

He stated that Ghana needs a leader who does not see the national purse as a manifestation of his birthright.

He was responding to his comments which have been met with mixed reactions at the NDC Professional Forum Dinner and Awards Night in Accra.

“They say the president should not hold the office of profits so you gave it to me, I spent it then you come and say  I should refund it, where am I  going to refund it from?

“They don’t understand the gravity of the situation. I do think that those of them who speak for NPP, don’t understand the gravity of the situation, but is good for our party,” he stated.

Meanwhile, private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has asked Mr Mahama to repay his ex-gratia with campaign donations.

But to the former President, the position of Mr Kpebu does not make sense.

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“Somebody who should know better, a lawyer, he said, then I should refund all the ex gratia we took before to show Ghanaians that yes, we are serious about cancelling it, he does not even know the principle in our constitution that says that you can’t pass retroactive legislative if you pass legislative today it does not affect what happened in the past, what he says is a bit silly because it is like saying because we have introduced free SHS all of us should go and get a refund of our school fees that we paid in the past. That is how silly what he is saying is,” he lashed out.

According to him, the event, expected to be a national celebration, has been politicised.

Mr Mahama was addressing participants at the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Professional Forum’s (ProForum) 5^th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night on Sunday, March 5.

Aside from what he described as a party jamboree, the former President said there was also no need to fund this 66th Independence Day celebration considering the current economic hardship.

“Independence Day is a solemn national celebration, and we should celebrate it at Independence Square so that anybody who wants to come could come. But today, they bus their supporters in with party flags and T-shirts.

“Nkrumah got us independence and I am a ‘Nkrumahist’ so, I will attend Independence Day, any day if it is not hijacked by one party because it is supposed to be a national day for all of us. So, I am not going to be in Ho because I don’t want to be part of an NPP jamboree,” Mr Mahama stated.

Recounting his last experience, Mr Mahama disclosed he was marginalised when the event was held in Tamale in 2019.

“I have stopped going to the Independence Day because it has become a party jamboree. When I went to Tamale, they told GBC to take the camera off me. They bused their supporters in and filled the whole stadium.

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“When I entered the stadium, the place was quiet, and they gave me a corner I went to sit, and they occupied the dais. Then I decided I don’t want to be part of this party jamboree,” he recounted.

The former President made the clarion call on his Facebook page, stating it must be a reflective celebration.

Mr Mahama has stated it is important for all and sundry to acknowledge “our common but differentiated roles and responsibilities in order to deliver our best service to build the Ghana we want together.”

To commemorate the milestone, an Independence Day parade is being held nationwide with the grand durbar graced by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia together with their spouses and other political figures being held in the Volta Region.

The National Democratic Congress flagbearer hopeful had earlier urged President Akufo-Addo to sacrifice funds being used to organise this year’s Independence Day celebration to resolve the shortage of child vaccines amidst the outbreak of measles.

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To him, the elaborate celebration is needless in the face of all the economic challenges currently confronting the nation.

To mark the important day and milestone, former President Mahama has shared some beautiful photos on Facebook to wish his wife a happy birthday.

Mr Mahama has appreciated his wife for being with him every step of the way in their life journey.

To Mr Mahama, his lovely wife has been a rock with whom he has braved stormy seas together.

He wrote; Thanks for the good times and the not too good times. You’ve stayed by my side through thick and thin. We have braved the stormy seas together. You’ve been my rock.

It’s your great day today and I celebrate you. Age is just a number. Enjoy your birthday and live many more years in good health.

Lordina my wife, my love and my friend! Wishing you a happy 60th birthday.

The elated husband backed his sweet words with adorable photos in which Mrs Mahama served fashion goals in black and red gowns.

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Mr Mahama’s post has attracted goodwill messages for the celebrant.

Mr Mahama, who was speaking during an interaction with National Democratic Congress party delegates at Mepe in the North Tongu Constituency of the Volta Region, on Saturday, said he was left worried when he read about the vaccine shortage in the media.

He believes the elaborate celebration is needless in the face of all the economic challenges currently confronting the nation.

”Today I was very sad when I was reading in the media, and it said that for the very first time in the 4th Republic, since 1992, today we are short of some childhood vaccines.

“For the first time in our history, I mean the elderly can’t get their bonds, children can’t get their vaccinations, and when I was coming from Ho, Adaklu, they were cleaning the place. They brought military vehicles and are coming to land at the Ho-Airport to celebrate Independence Day.

“Independence Day for whom?” Mr Mahama questioned.

“That money they are using to celebrate Independence Day could have been used to buy vaccines for our children,” the former President added.

Mr Mahama further said that the shortage of vaccines for polio and measles means the country is headed for a disastrous experience should there be an outbreak.

Mr Mahama during the interaction with delegates in North Tongu did not hesitate in jabbing the Nana Addo-Bawumia government for their failures and mismanagement of the economy.

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The former President, who is seeking to lead the NDC again as its flagbearer into the 2024 elections, launched his campaign at the Cedi Auditorium of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) at Sokode near Ho on Thursday.

He proceeded the campaign launch with a tour of the 18 constituencies of the Volta Region to interact and solicit for the support and votes of party delegates ahead of the May 13 presidential and parliamentary primaries of the NDC.

To him, Mr Mahama should return his ex-gratia and other benefits to the state as a sign of good faith that he will fulfil his promise to scrap it when elected as president. 

“When he was launching his campaign he should have brought a cheque of his ex gratia and emoluments he receives as a former president to the people of Ghana. Then you’ll be taken seriously,” he said on Accra-based Neat FM.

According to him, Mr Mahama had the opportunity to fulfil his campaign promises yet he failed woefully.

Mr Mahama’s track record to Nana B as he is popularly known proves that he has nothing to offer and cannot fix the country.

“What I’m saying is former President Mahama is widely known. If former President John Mahama was president in these times, Ghanaians would be dead. We’ve seen what he can do. He created a man-made pandemic ‘Dumsor Dumsor’. Despite the hardship, at least we still have our lights on.

“As we’re speaking today we have 16 regions. We have just one regional minister. In his time, he had regional ministers and deputies.

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“When you were given the opportunity to be president why didn’t you do that?” he quizzed.

Mr Mahama launched his campaign as a flagbearer hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ho on March 2, 2023.

He described himself as a “proven servant leader” who has the magic wand to reclaim power for the NDC.

He also said his government will have 60 ministers.

He added that the 2024 election requires experience and not experimentation and as a former President, he said he believed he was in the best place to rebuild a better Ghana.

The NDC will elect its presidential candidate on Saturday, May 13 as Mr Mahama faces contest from Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Kojo Bonsu, and Ernest Korbeah.

He reiterated the Akufo-Addo-led government has refused to listen to opposing views and has therefore initiated programmes which are not well thought through.

“This government has been clueless and, in many ways, callous. We are saddled with debt, and we have been downgraded by every rating agency and inflation has gone off the roof, sending people into abject poverty,” the former President said.

He said the next NDC government will conduct various probes into some corrupt deals under the Akufo-Addo government and all individuals found culpable prosecuted.

Despite this observation, Mr Mahama said it has never been his wish for his political opponents to fail.

“I’m not the kind of leader who derives pleasure from or who can smile at the failings of my country even the failings of my political opponent,” he stated.

Mr Mahama, who is seeking to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general election, made the remarks while launching his campaign in Ho on Thursday.

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He stated it is his vision that Ghana will develop, irrespective of who is in power, whether NPP or NDC.

Mr Mahama, who has been touted as the presumptive presidential candidate of the NDC on May 13, 2023, will be contesting the flagbearership race with former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, former Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu and businessman, and businessman based in the UK, Ernest Kwaku Korbeah.

According to the former Rector of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Mr Mahama, who is seeking to lead the NDC in the 2024 election, has over the years proven to be a wise and creative person.

“His Excellency John Mahama is unafraid to confront the mess created by the Akufo-Addo, Bawumia Ghana and is more than with collective effort ready to rebuild Ghana and restore the self-esteem. We all stand with him and will be with him when he takes power in 2024.

“From Member of Parliament to Deputy Minister to Cabinet Minister, Vice President and President, his performance as President gave him the accolade of a nation-builder.

“Former President Mahama is a proven nation-builder whose creativity is not based on rhetoric as others but on a sense of urgency and commitment,” he touted.

Prof Alabi was speaking at the campaign launch of Mr Mahama’s campaign in Ho on Thursday, March 2 in his bid to contest the NDC Presidential primary scheduled for May 13, 2023.

The NDC stalwart added Ghanaians have over the last eight years been yearning for Mr Mahama’s comeback.

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“He was loved by many and he equally showed love to as many as he should show love to. No wonder this wise man, calm, modest, and firm gentleman rose up to serve this country in different capacities.

“He is a competent builder with a strong sense of urgency and direction. He knows how to recreate a workable Ghana that brings value to the people,” he stated.

Launching his campaign at the University of Health and Allied Sciences at Sokode in the Volta Region on Thursday, Mr Mahama stated the country is in a difficult place and needs a bold person to rescue it.

Mr Mahama said he has taken this step after months of prayers, broad consultation and sober reflection.

To him, the 2024 election requires experience and not experimentation and as a former President, he said he believed he was in the best place to rebuild a better Ghana.

“At this stage, Ghana demands experience not experiment. Ghana demands togetherness, not divisiveness. Now is the time for the bravery of hearts and character of purpose,” he stated to loud cheers from supporters present.

He described the 2024 elections as the most important and defining elections in the history of the country considering what he described as the most difficult and challenging period of our history in the past six years.

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“We are saddled with debt we simply cannot pay,” he pointed out, adding also that the current administration has subjected the country to ignominy in the eyes of the international community,” he lamented.

The NDC will elect its presidential candidate on Saturday, May 13 as Mr Mahama faces a stiff contest with Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Kojo Bonsu and Ernest Korbeah.

The event is scheduled to take place at the University of Health and Allied Sciences at Sokode near Ho.

Mr Mahama is expected to speak on the theme; Building the Ghana we want together.

The former president is one of the four aspirants who have picked up nomination forms to contest in the flagbearership race slated for May 13, 2023.

Others are former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, former Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu and businessman, Ernest Kwaku Kobeah.

The NDC on Friday, February 24, 2023, closed the window for aspirants to pick up nomination forms.

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They are expected to fill out the forms and return them to the party headquarters between March 20-22, 2023.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show, he said Mr Mahama could have done better.

“Sometimes I get disappointed in my elderly brother John because you’ve been president before and sometimes what you say in the past is what is used to query your present utterances.

“They’re human, we’re all fallible. If you correct mistakes, does it mean you’ve rigged the elections in someone’s favour? And what was the difference, they’re very negligible,” he said.

He continued: “There is a way to communicate to someone when he or she is not doing the right thing. There is a way you go around it.

“If there’s something you don’t understand as a former president is that how you communicate? NDC cannot stop the work of the Electoral Commission.”

Mr Mahama, who is on a pre-election tour to Nigeria under the auspices of the West African Elders Forum, said he was impressed with the faith that all the candidates and parties have in the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria.

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He indicated that every political party in Nigeria has testified that INEC has acknowledged and taken their concerns into account.

He lamented that same cannot be attributed to Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC). According to him, the EC used to be amongst the top election administration organisations in the world.

Having a good track record at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), he was of the opinion that the EC boss, Jean Mensa, has not lived up to her expectations.

“When the EC is walking down the wrong path, we have to say it.

“John Dramani Mahama is someone who’s an active political person. Even those retired and those who are not politically active are concerned about the day-to-day affairs of the EC.

“I remember the time the current chairperson of the EC luckily for us was from the civil society who served as the head for IEA. If you like google what the IEA has said about the electoral commission you’ll see the position of the IEA under Jean Mensa,” he said.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam Show he said former chairpersons of the EC when on international assignments gave Ghana an enviable place.

“So when she was asked to head the EC, the expectation was that we see more openness and transparency. Rather we’re seeing and hearing things that defame the EC.

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“I have been very well involved in the electoral processes. I’ve dealt with the EC over that period and I know,” he added.

He said that the Jean Mensa-led administration does not engage stakeholders during electoral processes.

Mr Mahama said this while on a pre-election tour to Nigeria under the West African Elders Forum.

According to him, the Danquah-Busia tradition, from which the New Patriotic Party was formed, connived with agents outside the country to oust Nkrumah in 1966.

Mr Mahama said the uprising destroyed Nkrumah’s vision for Ghana and the entirety of the African continent.

The former President made these remarks in a Facebook post while commemorating the 57th anniversary of the 1966 coup on Friday.

He said: “57 years ago today, 24th February 1966, the Danquah-Busia political tradition conspired with external intelligence agencies to initiate Ghana’s first coup d’etat, which toppled the government of our first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

“This coup was achieved through a conscious and constant campaign of falsehood and calumny.”

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He added that “as a former President of Ghana who has also been at the receiving end of the Danquah-Busia tradition’s campaign of slander and sabotage, I can empathise completely with the quandary President Nkrumah found himself in.”

Mr Mahama went on to say that “In 1966, I was a young boy still in primary school. But I remember highlights of the dark days that followed the February 24, 1966 coup”.

The former President used the occasion to urge Ghanaians to remain loyal to the country’s democratic path.

He also seized the opportunity to entreat African leaders to remain true to the tenets of democratic governance.

“As today marks 57 years of that coup d’etat, I call on all fellow Ghanaians and our patriotic security agencies and armed forces to mark this day as one of reflection and to remain loyal to the 1992 Constitution as we begin the task of rescuing our dear nation from the dark pit the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has plunged us into.

“I further urge all Africans to give meaningful democracy a chance, the very reason for which I am presently here in Nigeria as Head of the West African Elders Forum on an election mediation mission, as the country votes on Saturday,” the statement concluded.

Reactions of Danquah-Busia activists

Meanwhile, members of the Danquah-Busia tradition have consistently refuted the claims that they played a central role in Ghana’s first coup d’état.

Repeatedly, they have stressed that such assertions are false and should not be associated with the late Dr J.B Danquah or the late Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia.

In one of such rebuttals a few years ago, the then Director of the Danquah-Busia Institute, Gabby Otchere-Darko, took offence when a former Communications Minister, Dr Omane Boamah made that allegation on Newsfile.

In anger, Mr Otchere-Darko walked off the stage, describing the comments as ‘stupid’.

Here’s a video recording of that altercation:

Speaking in reference to the economic crisis and Domestic Debt Exchange, she said Mr Mahama would have been “swallowed up” if this happened in his tenure.

“Sometimes the way they treat His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, I am not in NDC but sometimes I feel sad. Of course, all the insults they insulted him those days you don’t remember?

“Do you think if President Mahama’s time if we had DDEP, he would be staying in this country? He would have been swallowed up. Just because maybe you don’t like someone, you should give credit,” she said.

To her, President Nana Akufo-Addo and his government have enjoyed the goodwill and respect of Ghanaians despite the hardship.

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“He has had it easy, we love him. This government had the goodwill so I think we should let President Mahama be,” she said on Accra-based TV3. 

The move, according to them, is their quota to ensure Mr Mahama emerges victorious.

“We have decided to fuel all of Mahama’s campaign vehicles during the campaign season and that will be our contribution to support his campaign for him to know how serious we are, desiring for his comeback so he can save the dying spare parts industry,” he assured.

This comes after the former President on Wednesday picked his nomination forms to contest the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential primary.

Prior to him picking the form, the Spare Parts Dealers and three other unions called on him at his residence at Cantonments and appealed to him to contest while they endorsed him.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, the President of the Association, Kwabena Adjei, said the ruling government has disappointed them after they helped to campaign for NPP and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the 2016 election.

“In 2016, Nana Addo, who was the presidential candidate for NPP, met us at Abossey Okai, he told us his vision for the spare parts dealers, and we supported his campaign with Ghc200,000,” he said.

Mr Adjei explained further that after the NPP and Nana Addo won power, the government decided to ban the importation of salvage cars and used spare parts which were contrary to the promise Nana Addo, who was the NPP candidate, gave them.

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“We feel betrayed by President Akufo-Addo after giving him such an amount to support his campaign hoping he becomes president to bring relief to the spare parts sector, after he won he rather compounded our problem,” he lamented.

Mr Adjei went on to say they have read the NDC 2020 manifesto and have seen where the NDC promised not to ban importation of salvage and used parts which they think is very laudable and is the reason they are rooting for Mr Mahama.

To him, they will support Mr Mahama the same way they did for President Akufo-Addo and NPP in 2016 in ensuring Mr Mahama wins the 2024 elections.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show, he said Mr Mahama is the best candidate to help them secure victory in the 2024 elections.

“It’s not against our party’s constitution, it’s a competition and everyone has the right to support anyone. There’s no need to waste time or choose an alternative when there’s the right choice.

“Everyone in Ghana knows in NDC when it comes to experience, hard work, and vision, the person with these characteristics and capable of leading the NDC to victory to lead the country in its right path is John Dramani Mahama,” he said.

He explained that it was not against the party’s constitution to endorse a candidate before votes are cast.

“His good work is why you’re seeing the massive number of people rooting for him. Ghanaians have voted for John Mahama before so his acceptability is beyond doubt.

“John Mahama has what we call face and name recognition. Some are of the opinion that he should go unopposed to save money and unite the party to secure victory in the 2024 elections,” he added.

He confirmed he has picked his nomination form to contest as NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the Abura Asebu Kwamankese constituency in the 2024 elections.

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He said that his competitors in the last primaries have united and declared support for him to stand unopposed.

Mr Mahama picked forms to contest the upcoming presidential primary on February 23, 2023.

His 2020 Campaign Manager, Prof Joshua Alabi, led a delegation to pick the form on his behalf after some members of the Minority Caucus endorsed his candidature as flagbearer.

Some contenders, Dr Kwabena Duffuor and Kojo Bonsu have also picked up the nomination forms.

According to Mr Mahama, he is entitled to some benefits according to Parliament but those entitlements have been withheld because he is politically active.

“I’ve been Vice President before, I’ve been President of this country before, according to parliament, I’m supposed to receive all kinds of emoluments to pay my fuel and my electricity bill, my water bill, medical bills, air travel, vehicles, everything but I can assure you that all those emoluments have been withheld because I’m politically active,” he said.

Mr Mahama reiterated this in his interaction with his former appointees in Accra on Wednesday, 23 February 2023, where he called on them to come out of retirement and join him in the fight to reclaim power in 2024.

“If I was retired and not commenting on national issues, I would have all those emoluments paid but it doesn’t bother me, because of my new granddaughter and my children, I believe that the future of this country is one that we must rescue from the hands of this looting brigade and reset the Ghanaian project, bring back good governance, strengthen the fight against corruption, put in place the things that will make it impossible for another president to come and land us in the same ditch that we currently are, and so I’m the first to announce to you that even though I was retired in 2016, I’ve come out of retirement and I’m available for the task ahead.”

Last year, Mr Mahama made similar comments about his emoluments.

He had said in an interview with Accra-based TV3 on Monday, 12 September 2022, that: “I receive only my monthly pension, like President Kufuor or President Rawlings was receiving until he died. That is all I get.”

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“I pay the electricity bill for my house, for my office. I pay the water bill for my house and my office. I live in my own accommodation so the state does not pay me anything for accommodation”.

He had noted that the only lump sum he received was “¢230,000 as salary arrears in 2013”.

However, the governing New Patriotic Party described Mr Mahama’s claims as false.

The party at the time said it had evidence of correspondence between former President Mahama’s office and the Chief of Staff contradicting his claims.

Mr Mahama’s 2020 Campaign Manager and NDC stalwart, Prof Joshua Alabi, led a delegation to pick the form on his behalf on Wednesday.

Prof Alabi was joined by several party Regional Chairmen and supporters at the NDC headquarters at Adabraka.

“The country is sinking and needs a very experienced hand to rescue it from sinking. I am very confident that come January 2025, NDC will be forming a new government under the leadership of his Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

“We have done it before and we have experienced hands to assist John Mahama to do it again. Somewhere in the 80s when it was difficult for the country, it was the experienced hands of the NDC that moved the country into prosperity.

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“Once again we have a similar challenge and we have the experienced hands who are all available and ready to support Mahama,” he declared.

The NDC stalwart assured the electoral process will be peaceful and smooth as he expresses appreciation to all the supporters for their time and presence.

Mr Mahama on Tuesday officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2024 presidential election when members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament paid him a visit at his residence.

The members were at Mr Mahama’s office to inform him about their decision to endorse his candidature for flagbearer-ship if he announces same.

At the meeting, the former President assured the members he will run for president, adding that he will make a public announcement soon.

He has also amassed support in the six years since he left power.

Mr Mahama stood for election in 2012 after serving as president for six months following the death of former President John Evans Atta Mills.

To commemorate the 2023 International Radio Day, Omanhene acknowledged the story of his journalism cannot be complete without former President John Mahama.

The host of Badwam on Adom TV, speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii sen, revealed Mr Mahama played a crucial role in his movement from his home region, Brong Ahafo now Bono East to Accra.

Omanhene said he had worked with a lot of radio stations but his movement to Accra through which he secured a job with Radio Gold was the magic wand.

“Former President John Dramani Mahama, then Member of Parliament for Bole, called to ask if I would love to come to Accra to continue my media journey, and my answer was yes.

“Two weeks later, I received a call from the late CEO of Radio Gold, Kwasi Sainti Baffoe-Bonnie who told me he has been directed to deposit money in my bank account to aid my movement to Accra,” he joyfully recounted.

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His stay in Accra following that breakthrough, he noted, has been nothing short of success and blessings.

The firebrand host appreciated other people who have helped him since 1999 when he started media to date.

Watch the video above for more:

He alleged that the reshuffle by the national leaders of the party was being used as a vehicle to reward Members of Parliament who had declared support for the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and to safeguard the candidacy of John Mahama as the party’s torch bearer in the upcoming 2024 elections.

“Haruna Iddrisu issued a disclaimer after Ahmed Ibrahim said that the Minority Leader has sent him to send a message to delegates that Parliament is with Asiedu Nketia. And he issued a disclaimer that ‘no, I didn’t say so.’ And so when he [Asiedu Nketia] won, obviously, I expected this to happen.

“It was obvious that right after the elections, those who supported and publicly declared support for the national chairman have been maintained and those who opposed have been kicked out.”

According to him, John Mahama and Haruna Iddrisu’s alleged rivalry also played a key role in the reshuffle.

“And of course when Dr. Duffuor was asked ‘if you’re elected the flagbearer, who in the NDC would you consider being your running mate?’ and he quickly said ‘Bagbin is there, Haruna is there so I can pick any of them.’ Once Haruna’s name is mentioned he becomes a threat to John Mahama.

“‘Get rid of him so that he doesn’t become the running mate. If he has an ambition to become a running mate then obviously he’ll go against me.’ These are things being discussed among the NDC and we hear it every day,” he said.

He further added that the outgone Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak’s exit was occasioned by his squabbles with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin.

“There’s been long running battle between the Speaker and the outgone Chief Whip, Muntaka, in Parliament. We all know. So it was obvious that the system was not comfortable with him, they’ll get rid of him,” he said.

He admits that while the newly appointed Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is an exemplary Member of Parliament, the NDC leadership’s justification for his appointment is not sound.

According to him, if Asideu Nketia insists that Dr Ato Forson was appointed because of his economics background and the role the issues concerning the economy will play in the upcoming 2024 elections, then same rule should apply when selecting a flag bearer for the party.

“And the worst of all this is that the reason for this is to say that the 2024 elections will be fought on a line of economics for that reason they need Ato … But if the explanation is that they need an economist or a finance person to lead them in Parliament, 137 people, then what about the one you’re seeking to lead 30 million people who is not an economist?

“You see the confusion NDC itself is in? You’re telling us that 137 people should be led by an economist, but the one you’re seeking, a preemptive leader you’re seeking for the NDC to lead this country is not an economist,” he said.

Former President John Mahama has said he is not against the government’s debt restructuring programme since it seeks to revive the ailing economy.

The only problem he said he has has been the lack of consultation on the programme which has sparked agitations among labour unions and individual bondholders.

“I am not opposed to debt restructuring. What has been the contention is the lack of dialogue and consultation with the debt holders on the domestic side.

“I know that negotiations are taking place with the bondholders on the external side but not the same treatment on the domestic side,” he said.

In an address at Chatham House in London on Friday themed Africa’s Strategic Priorities and Global Role, Mr Mahama reiterated the programme was key to the International Monetary Fund intervention the government is seeking

“I have been an advocate for dialogue. Before this whole crisis started, I advised the government and said they should hold a national dialogue on the economy, give us the state of the economy and let everybody understand and after that seek broad consensus behind the economic programme. But this was never done and what we expected will happen, happened,” he bemoaned.

Mr Mahama expressed worry about the Akufo-Addo-led government’s refusal to heed advice from the National Democratic Congress on cutting down borrowing and expenditure which he said has put Ghana in the current situation.

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“We had been raising the red flag since 2019 about the government’s reckless borrowing. Going onto the Eurobond market every year for 3 billion dollars and not investing it in the productive sectors of the economy and using most of it for consumption and that is what has ended us where we are,” he added.

Mr Dankwa said the poll tipped Mr Mahama to win across all the regions except the Ashanti Region and Eastern Regions, the stronghold of the NPP.

He added that Mr Mahama may also not be able to make inroads in the Northern and North East Regions.

Speaking on Citi TV, Mr Dankwa said: “besides the Northern Region and North East Region where [Mahamudu] Bawumia leads [John] Mahama head-to-head, elsewhere, it is difficult for NPP.”

Mr Dankwa stressed that “it is terrible in the Central and Western Regions. Greater Accra is not good and the numbers are not great in the Ashanti Region though the NPP is winning. It is almost neck and neck between the NPP candidate and John Mahama.

“Across the regions, it doesn’t look good, but something is happening in the Northern Region. This is the third time we are seeing that something could happen in the Northern Region, and we believe that John Mahama could lose the Northern Region and still win the elections,” he added.

Mr Dankwa told the host of the show, Selorm Adonoo, that the dynamics and reasons for the voting pattern in 2024 won’t be different from previous years as religion and ethnicity are expected to largely be a deciding factor.

He said the poll revealed that Dr Bawumia is popular among Muslims in the Northern and North East Regions but is doing poorly among Muslims nationally.

“He [Mahamudu Bawumia] is getting the support of ethnicity and also religion. If we drill down the Muslim votes to the Northern Region, you could see that Bawumia is doing well, but he is not doing well nationally,” he said.

He explained that Dr Bawumia is doing poorly nationally among Muslim voters because he is seen to be swinging much more towards the Christian faith instead of Islam.

Mr Dankwa also said the national polls indicate Mr Mahama is winning among all ethnic groups except the Akans.

He further intimated that a significant percentage of some disappointed supporters of the NPP may vote for Mr Mahama.

“There are a lot of NPP supporters who are disappointed and when you ask them who they are going to vote for, they tell you John Mahama, and we saw that about 30% of those who voted for President Akufo-Addo will vote for John Mahama if we go to the polls,” he added.

In 2022, there were publications by some news portals claiming that Mr Bonsu had called Mr Mahama a corrupt president.

In the publications, it was alleged that “former President John Mahama does not stand a chance as far as winning the 2024 general election is concerned because his opponents in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have sullied his name with corruption and women’s affairs to the extent that he has become unattractive to the floating voter.”

This, according to the news sources, was said by the former KMA boss, who aspires to be the flagbearer of the NDC.

But Mr Bonsu has denied saying that about Mr Mahama.

On Prime Morning on Wednesday, he told Roselyn Felli that the publication was a plot to destroy his relationship with the former President.

According to him, “I wasn’t misquoted. I think some people put it on. I checked; it was a Peace FM portal that brought that, and it was fake news. It just wanted to create some kind of confusion between me and the former President, but they cannot achieve it.”

Meanwhile, he believes Mr Mahama is hardworking and commended him for the work he did during his regime. He applauded the ex-President for achieving the majority of the party’s aims during his tenure in office.

“He is one of the best that Ghana has ever had,” he said.

But as to why he is contesting for the position despite mentioning Mr Mahama’s capabilities, Mr Bonsu indicated that Mr Mahama only had four years to run as president, which he thinks would not be sufficient for the NDC to achieve their development goals.

He explained further that “it is democracy that has allowed that.”

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However, as a flagbearer aspirant for the NDC, Mr Bonsu is confident in his ability to do better for the country if elected president.

Having said that, he is positive about winning the NDC primaries and becoming the flagbearer in 2024.

He has, however, stated his willingness to assist the party in winning the election even if he loses the primaries. 

The baby, who happens to be a girl, was delivered on his [Mahama’s] birthday, November 29, 2022, a coincidence he is very delighted about.

In the latest video on his official Facebook page, Mr Mahama shared an adorable video as he spends time with the baby.

The video captured the baby in her grandfather’s arms while her grandmother, Lordina administered medication to her.

Parts of it also saw her sleep calmly by Mr Mahama who was on grandfather duties.

The former President in his caption congratulated the baby’s parents, Shafik who is Mr Mahama’s first son and his wife, Asma.

Mr Mahama went on to reveal the baby’s name as Alyazia Frema Mahama.

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He wrote: Congratulations Shafik and Asma. Welcome grand daughter Alyazia Frema Mahama.

Shafik tied the knot with Asma of Algerian descent in a privately held ceremony that came off in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, July 16, 2020.

Mr Mahama has described the resignation as pointless and too late.

This according to him is because they have realised their boat (government) is heading for disaster, hence their decision to leave.

In a tweet, Mr Mahama noted they can, however, not be exempted from the current economic mess though their resignation will be a relief to them.

“Some members of the Akufo-Addo government have realised their boat is heading for disaster. It must be a relief for those deserting the ship, but it’s so late. It’s almost pointless. They’ll try hard not to be part of the mess we are in, but let’s not forget the parts they all played,” he wrote.

Some members of the Akufo-Addo gov’t have realized their boat is heading for disaster. It must be a relief for those deserting the ship, but it’s so late. It’s almost pointless. They’ll try hard not to be part of the mess we are in, but let’s not forget the parts they all played.

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) January 13, 2023

The two ministers presented their resignation letters to President Nana Akufo-Addo which have duly been accepted.

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They have both declared their intentions to contest for the New Patriotic Party flagbearer positions ahead of the 2024 election.

This, according to him, is because Mr Mahama remains a favourite candidate in the eyes of party faithful.

Mr Gyamfi made these remarks on Adom TV’s Badwam show, stating he wishes there will be no contest for the flagbearership race.

“When you go to the grounds, a lot are in favour of former President Mahama and so if we have only one candidate at the end of vetting and all due processes, there will be an acclamation and not voting. But in my heart, I wish there will be no contest,” he said.

He was, however, quick to add the party’s constitution must be duly complied with to give every interested individual a fair chance.

“The party leadership will adhere to our constitution and open nominations with vetting conducted to allow a free and fair process and levelled playing field,” he added.

An assessment conducted by the Research Directorate at the Presidency in April 2022 has revealed that the former President is likely to be retained as the flagbearer of the NDC.

This was contrary to the Economic Intelligence Unit’s report that has urged the NDC to consider introducing a new candidate for the polls.

Subsequently, pollster and Managing Editor of Daily Dispatch, Ben Ephson predicted a win for Mr Mahama.

But this was with a caveat that Mr Mahama will win if the internal elections are held in April, but if not, then he cannot state what will happen.

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Meanwhile, he indicated that Mr Mahama doesn’t stand a chance in the 2024 election if he maintains his 2020 running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

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In a Facebook post, Mr Mahama said it is unacceptable that the President has consistently put pressure on state anti-corruption institutions by announcing clearance of appointees and companies that are under investigation for wrongdoing.

Speaking at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association, President Akufo-Addo said Akonta Mining which belongs to the Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman, Wontumi is not engaged in any illegality presently. 

But in a lengthy Facebook post, Mr Jinapor indicated the comments by the President in no way relates to past or future activities of Akonta Mining, and cannot, by any shred of imagination, be deemed as exonerating the company from any past activities or interfering with any ongoing investigations.

“As it is public knowledge, the allegations of illegal mining by Akonta Mining Ltd are being investigated by state institutions responsible for such investigations, the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

“When I received the report from the investigations conducted by the Forestry Commission, pursuant to my directive, I forwarded the report to the Ghana Police Service, through the Minister for Interior, to assist them in their investigations,” the Minister said.

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According to him, the President is mindful of ongoing investigations and refrained from speaking on past activities of the company which are under investigations by the state agencies.

“Indeed, but for the specific question posed by the Chairman of the occasion, the President would not have mentioned Akonta Mining at all.

“I, also, want to put on record that no one, and absolutely no one, compelled me to issue the Press Statement on Akonta Mining which was issued following the allegations of their activities in the Forest Reserve. Neither has the President called any official of Akonta Mining to ‘appease’ them on the action taken by Government. These claims, if they were indeed made, as you suggest, are, obviously, false and a figment of peoples’ own imagination,” he added.

The Minister maintained he has reluctantly come out to set these records straight due to the very unfair and unfortunate manner in which Mr Mahama has attacked the unblemished reputation and integrity of the President, his successor.

Below is the full post:

Mr Mahama has lauded Pele was one of the greatest footballers that ever lived, beautified the game and iconised the No. 10 shirt.

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the greatest footballer passed on on December 29, 2022.

He was 82 years.

He had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years.

Pele had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests.

In a Facebook post, the former President said he [Pele] inspired many as children, some of whom grew up to become great footballers.

“He also was an icon for those of us who never got round to mastering the game. In the brief moments we had the ball at our feet we dreamed that we were like the great soccer maestro.

“He was a respected global ambassador and symbol of courage, peace and hope for many, particularly the black race,” he mourned.

Below is Mr Mahama’s post:

Former President John Mahama has pledged to support the family of the late National Democratic Congress (NDC), serial caller, in the Tamale metropolis, Awudu Umar Farouk (A.U. Farouk), who died ahead of the party’s congress.

Mr Mahama gave the assurance when he joined scores of mourners to mourn with the family on Monday and donated GHS10,000 to support Mr Farouk’s widow.

Mr Mahama was accompanied by NDC stalwarts including, the National Chairman; Aseidu Nketia, Deputy National Organiser, Elikem Kototo, among others to Tamale for the final Adua.

Mr Nketia and Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini also donated GHS5,000 each to the family.

Mr Farouk was the campaign coordinator in the Tamale North Constituency for Mr Nketia and travelled to Accra for the congress on Friday.

He was to be a polling agent for the newly elected deputy national organiser, Elikem Kotoko, but unfortunately died a few hours before the election following a short illness.

To acknowledge his hard work and commitment to the party, Mr Nketia dedicated his chairmanship victory to the memory of the late Farouk.

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He urged defeated aspirants in the just-ended election to consider the death of Mr Farouk as a sacrificial lamb to heal their wounds.

The family appreciated the party for the love they showed to their late member.

Video attached above:

Addressing delegates at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, Mr Mahama reiterated that he has no favourite person among the aspirants.

“I repeat my position of neutrality in the various contests, let me say again that I do not have any preferred candidate for any position and I urge all delegates to vote based on your own appreciation of the messages of aspirants and your conviction about their capacity to work in the larger interest of the party,” he said.

Instead, he is ready to work with any national executive elected in the interest of suffering Ghanaians.

“I stand ready to work with all those you elect to lead our great party and to contribute my quota to our objectives which primarily revolves around saving this country and building the Ghana we want,” Mr Mahama added.

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Over 9,000 delegates nationwide have converged in Accra to elect new national executives ahead of the 2024 general election.

Over 9,000 delegates will cast their vote to elect new national officers to lead the party in the next four years.

Mr Mahama, who arrived with his entourage, were received by senior party officials.

Present with Mr Mahama was the 2020 NDC Running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah among others.

The national operational team of the Ghana Police Service has taken charge of the grounds to ensure that only accredited persons are allowed into the stadium.

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The keenly contested national chairmanship position will be between the incumbent Chair, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the incumbent General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, a former Member of Parliament, Nii Armah Ashiety, and Samuel Yaw Adusei.

The two frontrunners, Messrs Nketia and Ofosu-Ampofo have equally expressed confidence in winning the enviable chairmanship position after working tirelessly for the party.