Mensah Thompson, Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has defended former President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to include his son, Sharaf Mahama, on official trips.
Thompson’s remarks come amidst criticisms from members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who have questioned the propriety of Sharaf’s presence on such travels. Mr Thmopson in response dismissed the criticism as baseless, accusing the NPP of engaging in disingenuous politicking.
He emphasized that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, has the prerogative to decide who accompanies him on both domestic and international assignments, especially if it contributes to his efficiency and mental well-being in performing his duties.
Thompson pointed out that the existence of an unaccountable imprest for presidential use is not a new concept and argued that the President is entitled to use it to ensure his comfort and focus.
“Unless the NPP can prove that Mr Sharaf Mahama is receiving per diem for accompanying his father on foreign trips, then there’s no basis for this needless agitation.
“The President can request the presence and company of anyone he wants and even if the person is not within the jurisdiction, the person must be flown from wherever at the instance of the President and if that person happens to be his son, who lives with him and his constant presence doesn’t cost the taxpayer a dime then what is the fuss about?”
Mensah Thompson , Executive Director of ASEPA
He further noted that presidential trips are structured in a way that minimizes costs to the state, as most expenses—including accommodation, food, and other perks—are borne by host nations.
Criticism of NPP’s Track Record
Thompson accused the NPP of hypocrisy, citing instances during their tenure when government resources were allegedly misused.
He referenced the neglect of Ghana’s presidential jet under the NPP administration and the decision to charter expensive aircraft, sometimes flying empty planes at great cost to taxpayers.
“People who neglected our Presidential jet, and flew an empty aircraft from Europe to Accra to airlift President Akufo-Addo to wherever he was going and back and then fly back to origin empty all on the poor taxpayer should be the last people to complain about President Mahama’s son joining him on a trip(especially when his presence most likely does not incur any additional cost to the State).”
Mensah Thompson , Executive Director of ASEPA
Mensah Thompson also alleged that some members of the NPP misused state resources for personal indulgences, such as flying “side-chicks” around, and dismissed their moral authority to critique Mahama’s decisions.
Focus on Leadership and Governance
Highlighting Sharaf Mahama’s involvement in supporting his father during challenging political campaigns, the ASEPA Executive Director argued that the criticisms are misplaced.
“When Sharaf Mahama was busy following his father around through deep night campaigns in rural Ghana, did they ask how much it cost his father?” he questioned. Mensah Thompson reiterated that John Mahama’s presidency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), remains focused on his mission to “reset Ghana.”
He emphasized that Mahama’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and cementing his legacy as one of Ghana’s finest Presidents will not be derailed by what he termed as “empty noise” from the NPP.
Mensah Thompson urged critics to focus on substantive issues affecting the nation rather than engaging in what he described as petty distractions.
He underscored that the personal choices of a President, particularly those involving family, should not overshadow critical governance matters. “The NDC is focused on resetting Ghana, and nothing will derail the ever-focused President Mahama,” he declared.
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