The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama, commenced his tour of the North east Region on visiting key constituencies such as Gambaga, Nalerigu, and the Walewale.
His visit to the region focused on addressing pressing local issues, improving security, and making bold promises regarding religious freedoms, security reforms, and the economy.
During his visit to the palace of the Chief of Gambaga, John Mahama expressed his commitment to addressing the myriad challenges faced by the region, promising that a future NDC government would focus on resolving issues that have persisted for too long.
He assured the people that his leadership would bring positive changes and that under his administration, their voices and concerns would be heard.
John Mahama pledged to work tirelessly for the betterment of the region.
“We are going to tackle the challenges in the North east Region. When we come into power, the problems of this region will not be overlooked. We will work on improving infrastructure and ensuring that the people here feel the impact of development.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Reducing the Cost of Hajj Pilgrimage
One of the standout promises made during Mahama’s tour was his commitment to lowering the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims.
Reflecting on his previous term in office, he highlighted the sharp increase in the cost of performing the pilgrimage under the current government, a change that has caused frustration among many Ghanaian Muslims.
“Before I left office, if you wanted to go for Hajj, the cost was 11,900 cedis, less than 12,000 cedis. Today, if you want to go to Hajj, you have to pay not less than 75,000 cedis before you are perform the pilgrimage.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He reassured the people that if the NDC returns to power, they would work to lower the cost once again, allowing more people to fulfill the religious duty of Hajj.
“When we come, we’re going to work to lower the fare so that as many people as possible who want to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, which is [the] pilgrimage to Mecca, will be able to do so.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Additional Holiday for Eid al-Fitr
John Mahama also touched on the religious and cultural sensitivities surrounding Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. He acknowledged the confusion that sometimes arises due to varying reports on moon sightings, which can lead to Muslims fasting or celebrating Eid on different days. He asserted; “We are adding one more holiday so that whether you break the fast today or tomorrow, you will [still have] a holiday to rest and celebrate.”
Allegations of Fake Opinion Polls by the NPP
Mahama did not shy away from addressing political dynamics, particularly concerning the upcoming 2024 general elections. He accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of fabricating fake opinion polls in an attempt to sway public perception.
He urged the people to disregard these polls and assured them that all credible sources predict an NDC victory.
“All credible opinion polls have predicted that the NDC is going to win. So because of that, the NPP and government have started publishing fake opinion polls, opinion polls that have no methodology, opinion polls where you cannot find the people who did the research.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He mentioned reputable institutions like the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), Fix Solutions, and Global Info Analytics, all of which, according to him, predict the NDC’s victory. He noted; “We must not be complacent. We must protect every single person’s vote. In this election, all of us are going to be polling agents.”
Commitment to Eradicating Highway Robbery
Security concerns in the northern regions of Ghana, particularly regarding highway robberies, were another key focus of Mahama’s speech.
He pledged to enhance security in the area through increased recruitment into the state security agencies. This recruitment would be decentralized to ensure equitable opportunities across the country, especially in northern Ghana, where insecurity has been rampant.
John Mahama pointed out that under the current NPP government, many people in the region live in constant fear of highway robberies, a situation that he believes is unacceptable.
“Since the NPP has been in power, it is as if we are living under a curfew. In the night, when you drive on the roads, there are no cars because everybody is afraid of armed robbers. When NDC is in power, you can drive at any time of night safely.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He assured the people that an NDC government would restore safety and security, allowing people to travel freely without fear.
John Dramani Mahama’s visits to the Northeast Region served as a platform for him to reassure Ghanaians that the NDC would bring positive changes if given the mandate in the 2024 elections.
His promises to tackle regional challenges, reduce the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage, ensure religious inclusivity, and enhance security were well-received by the people.
However, John Mahama also emphasized the importance of vigilance in the upcoming elections, urging every NDC supporter to play an active role in protecting the vote.
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