Former President of the Republic and flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has berated President Akufo-Addo over comments he has been making in recent times as well as his attitude towards some traditional rulers in the country.
President Akufo-Addo recently said at a political function that he is not ready to hand over power to a person he defeated at the presidential polls twice. It was the second time he made such a comment, something described by many as alarming.
“Wa Naa, you know that the man I removed from the seat, I cannot have him as my successor and as a traditional ruler, you understand what I am saying,” the President stated in an address to the overlord of Wa, on April 25.
However, for the former president, the president’s statement exposes his autocratic tendencies and his unwillingness to initiate a smooth transfer of power if he [John Mahama] emerges as the winner of the December 7 presidential election.
“He also recently stated that he cannot be succeeded by somebody he has defeated in previous elections. This connotes an arrogant nature and smacks an inherently anti-democratic personality, undermining the fundamental principle of the peaceful transition of power,” John Mahama stated in a Facebook post on Monday, April 29.
Citing previous ‘unfortunate’ political incidents, John Mahama further added that the current president could attempt to use whatever means possible to steal the election for his preferred candidate and Vice president, Dr. Mahammud Bawumia.
Below is the full post by John Mahama
The almost eight years of Nana Addo/Bawumia have done extensive damage to our democracy. As the clock ticks towards the end of his mandate, the President’s attitude and utterances give much cause for concern. His recent insistence that chiefs stand up to greet him should be a matter of serious consternation for political watchers.
He also recently stated that he cannot be succeeded by somebody he has defeated in previous elections. This connotes an arrogant nature and smacks an inherently anti-democratic personality, undermining the fundamental principle of the peaceful transition of power.
Nana Addo should be reminded that only the votes of the good people of Ghana and the will of the Almighty God will determine who succeeds him. This reaffirms the people’s power in shaping our nation’s future.
Suppose we are to draw lessons from Ayawaso West Wuogon and the state-sponsored killing of eight innocent citizens during the 2020 election; we know that this President is capable of anything and would not hesitate to trample on Ghana’s constitution to manipulate the process in favour of his preferred successor.
I can assure him that Ghanaians and the National Democratic Congress will not allow this to happen. As I advised him in Damongo on Saturday, the best legacy he can leave this country is to superintend over a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.