In a fervent address during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto launch, former President and NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, called on Ghanaians to unite and vote for change in the upcoming December elections.
Speaking in Winneba, he presented a scathing critique of the current administration led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), painting a bleak picture of the nation’s state after nearly eight years under their governance. Mahama began his speech with a message of hope and unity, invoking the vision of Ghana’s founding father, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“Today, we gather with hope as one people, united in victory, and as one nation—Ghana—with a common, interwoven, indivisible destiny,” former President Mahama proclaimed.
Former President Mahama emphasized the need to reignite the dreams of the nation’s forebears, stressing that Ghana cannot endure “one additional day beyond January 7, 2025,” under what he described as “maladministration, mismanagement, and state capture” by the current government.
Mahama painted a dire picture of the state of Ghana, using emotive language to describe the suffering of the people. “Ghana is bleeding. Ghana’s soul is crying for change!” he declared, urging Ghanaians to rise and reset the nation.
Former President Mahama accused the NPP government of inflicting hardship, impunity, and bad governance on the people, claiming that it had “decimated our democracy beyond recognition, destroyed livelihoods and families, and pushed millions of Ghanaians below the poverty line.”
Former President Mahama further stressed that the upcoming election on December 7 is a crucial moment for the country, a chance to end what he called “tyranny, cronyism, corruption, and hardship.”
Mahama positioned himself as the leader capable of restoring trust and good governance, pledging to bring his experience and vision back to the Flagstaff House.
Scathing Indictment of the NPP Government
Mahama didn’t mince words when discussing the performance of the Akufo-Addo administration. He described it as “the biggest political scam pulled on Ghanaians since our independence in 1957.”
Former President Mahama criticized the government for failing to capitalize on the stable economy his administration handed over in 2017, which included a stabilised energy sector, profitable state-owned enterprises, and a growing oil production industry.
Former President Mahama cited specific examples of what he called the NPP’s failures, including the mishandling of the energy sector, which led to the U.S. withdrawing $190 million from the Millennium Challenge Compact.
Mahama also pointed to the decline in cocoa production, which has plummeted under the current administration, and the massive debt incurred by COCOBOD. Furthermore, he lambasted the government for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that the crisis was used as an opportunity for self-enrichment by those in power.
The former President highlighted the economic mismanagement that has led to one of the highest inflation rates in Africa, a depreciated currency, and a skyrocketing debt-to-GDP ratio. He expressed disappointment that Ghana, under the NPP government, had defaulted on its debts, leading to a painful debt exchange program that has negatively impacted many citizens.
A Call for a National Reset
Mahama’s message was clear: Ghana needs a reset. He argued that the upcoming election is not just about changing governments but about setting the country back on the right course.
He called for a government that would unite all Ghanaians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, and one that would respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including journalists.
“A responsive government that will respect the rights and freedoms of citizens including journalists and address the ongoing decay of state institutions and fight corruption by deploying the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) Strategy.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer
Mahama concluded his address with a rallying cry for the future of Ghana, urging the electorate to take back their future by voting for the NDC. “The future of Ghana is in your hands,” he asserted, positioning the NDC as the party that would bring about the necessary change to restore Ghana’s dignity and prosperity.
As the December elections approach, Mahama’s speech at the NDC manifesto launch has set the stage for what is likely to be a highly charged and critical electoral contest. His call for a national reset resonates with many Ghanaians who feel disillusioned with the current state of affairs, and the manifesto launch marks the beginning of what promises to be an intense campaign season.
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