Osman Ayariga, the Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged Ghanaian voters to remain unswayed by Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign.

Ayariga passionately argued that the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, who served as president eight years ago, offers a more experienced and reliable option compared to the ruling party’s candidate.

Osman Ayariga contended that electing Dr. Bawumia as president would be a “needless experiment” when Ghanaians could return to a proven leader like Mahama. He emphasized that Mahama’s prior tenure as president left a legacy far superior to that of the current President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.

“So we should be looking at a leader who is out to transform Ghana. Look at the leader who is out to help us build a country you and I want. A leader who is transformational, and who has done it before; who is here as a result of his experience and not an experiment like Dr Bawumia who says we should try him.”
Osman Ayariga, the Deputy National Youth Organiser of NDC

Ayariga did not hold back in his critique of Akufo-Addo’s government, citing what he described as numerous failures and instances of mismanagement.

Ayariga contrasted Mahama’s governance with that of Akufo-Addo, saying, “Yes, and you’d bear me out that John Mahama’s four years is far, far, far better than the eight years of Akufo-Addo. At least he didn’t build the biggest hole with US$58 million. We didn’t find a Minister of Sanitation who was expected to clean the country, and especially Accra, with one point something million US dollars under her bed.”

Criticisms of the Current Administration

Ayariga painted a bleak picture of the current state of the nation under the leadership of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia. He highlighted the high level of unemployment, widespread despondency, and economic mismanagement as major issues plaguing the country.

He further criticized the government’s handling of resources and projects, implying that the current administration has been marked by waste and inefficiency.

“They have seen it. They have tasted water and they have tasted alcohol, and they know the difference.
“They have tasted John Dramani Mahama, they have tasted the NPP, and they know that it’s better for them to get back to John Dramani Mahama. That is what the people of this country will do on the 7th of December 2024.”
Osman Ayariga, the Deputy National Youth Organiser of NDC

Osman Ayariga expressed his gratitude to the people of the Northern Region, particularly Tamale, for their enthusiastic support during the campaign launch.

“We’re gonna hit the ground running. We’ve already started campaigning. We’re gonna start engaging communities.”
Osman Ayariga, the Deputy National Youth Organiser of NDC

The NDC’s campaign strategy appears to be focused on grassroots engagement and mobilization, aiming to connect with voters on a personal level. This approach contrasts with the NPP’s more top-down campaign style, led by Vice President Bawumia, who is seeking to transition from his current role to the presidency.

Vice President Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has positioned himself as a candidate ready to take the helm, often referring to his role as akin to a “mate” or bus conductor who now seeks to drive the bus himself.

However, Osman Ayariga vehemently disagrees with this analogy, implying that Bawumia lacks the necessary experience and track record to lead the nation effectively.

The upcoming election on December 7, 2024, will ultimately be a contest between these two visions: the experienced leadership of John Dramani Mahama versus the new, untested leadership of Dr. Bawumia.

Ayariga’s impassioned plea to voters underscores the NDC’s commitment to leveraging Mahama’s past successes as a cornerstone of their campaign.

Osman Ayariga’s statements reflect a broader sentiment within the NDC that Ghana’s future is best secured by returning to a leader with a proven track record. Whether this message resonates with the electorate will be seen in the weeks and months leading up to the crucial vote.