Former President and NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has warned that it would be a mistake for Ghanaians to re-elect the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He noted that investors are holding off on investing in the country until after the elections and cautioned, “We should not make a mistake with this particular election”.
“It is an election like no other, the stakes are the highest. It will determine the future of our country,” Mahama said.
Mr. Mahama made these statements at the Palace of the Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Paramount Chief of the Bawku traditional area in the Upper East Region. This visit marked the first day of his campaign tour in the region, where he is seeking support for the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
As part of his national campaign kickoff, the flagbearer will address durbars of Chiefs and Queen Mothers, engage with religious leaders, and meet with other stakeholders to share his vision for the country should he be re-elected as President.
He urged Ghanaians to use their votes to signal both the country and the international community that they are dissatisfied with the current economic hardships. “A vote for NPP again will send a signal to the rest of the world that we are happy, we are satisfied with what has gone on over the last eight years,” he said.
Mr. Mahama emphasized that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration must be held accountable for the economic difficulties and crises the country has faced, as well as the “state capture” he claims they have orchestrated over the last eight years.
The flagbearer confidently asserted that the NDC would win the election and vowed that those responsible for the economic troubles through mismanagement would be held accountable.
“But I am always quick to add that when we come into government, and we appoint people into office under our government, the same measure that we mete out to the outgone NPP administration, is the same measure we shall deal with our people in our government if they do the same thing that the NPP has done,” he said.
In response to the Zugraan’s request for the creation of a new region in Bawku if elected President, Mr. Mahama endorsed the proposal. He agreed that establishing a region in the Bawku area to encompass the six constituencies would be beneficial, bringing government services closer to the people and enhancing security.
“Bawku is a special security zone because of the issues that have been happening, and so it would be a good proposal to have a Region, so that it can be a focus to make sure that we deal with the security issues as well as we can,” he stated.
He stated that the request was reasonable, explaining that “The criteria for creating a new region are based on population, land size, and economic viability. Bawku meets all three criteria.”
“There are certain constitutional requirements that need to be met. You can be assured of my support, and I believe it is justified to establish a region in the Bawku area,” he said.
Mr. Mahama was joined by Professor Joshua Alabi, Chairman of the campaign team; Mr. Mahama Ayariga, MP for the area; Mr. Cletus Apul Avoka, MP for the Zebilla Constituency; Mr. Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff; Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for the former President; and several other party officials and parliamentary candidates.