Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has called on Ghanaians to uphold the constitution and refrain from considering coup as an option in addressing the current hardship in the country.
He insisted that despite the crisis in the country, Ghanaians will have the opportunity to elect a different person.
According to him, regardless of the current economic challenges in the country, considering a coup should not even be the last resort.
Addressing the Conference of Regional Imams of Ghana at the 3rd National Conference of Imams in Kumasi, Mr. Mahama also criticized the Akufo-Addo-led government for its handling of national affairs.
“We told NPP the path they were taking was dangerous, but our advice fell on deaf ears. And that is the reason we are where we are today, and we are all facing the challenges. So, we all have to help out and get out of this mess.
“But we would have to adhere to constitutional governance so that we are not swayed by the alternative of coups. We should know that no matter the hardship there will be the opportunity for an election for different people to be elected…”
John Dramani Mahama
Ghanaians urged to exercise restraint
Mr Mahama stated that it is only left with a year for Ghanaians to say “goodbye” to some people and welcome others who can fix the economy. In light of this, he expressed the need for Ghanaians to exercise restraints in their desire to see change.
“So, let’s continue respecting the Constitution. We should never think of coups and everything will be fine.”
John Dramani Mahama
Reading a communique jointly drafted by the regional imams from across the country, Executive Secretary of the Conference of Regional Imams of Ghana, Suallah Abdallah Quandah, condemned any advocacy for a coup d’état.
He further urged the government to implement effective measures to address pressing concerns of Ghanaians and thereby prevent any potential calls for a coup d’état.
With some African countries in the sub-Saharan battling issues of coup such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Mail and Guinea, it will be recalled that President Akufo-Addo expressed concern during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference over incidents of coups.
He particularly was worried about the unconstitutional changes in governments in parts of Africa, especially West Africa, through a series of coup d’etats and military interventions.
He revealed that it was in the interest of democratic growth that “these developments are reversed as soon as possible.”
Owing to this, the President called for maximum support for ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) in their efforts to restore democratic institutions to the affected countries of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Gabon.
He insisted that democracy and stability, which generally accompany democratic governance, are essential for the future prosperity of the African continent.
Prior to this, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, lamented the current economic crisis in the country, indicating that the current conditions can lead to a coup d’etat in the country.
He however emphasized that the country would not go on that trajectory because of the tolerance of Ghanaians.
While acknowledging the steadfastness of the populace, Asiedu Nketia cautioned against succumbing to the temptation of disruptive actions, which might offer temporary relief but could ultimately plunge the nation into an even deeper crisis.
He further emphasized that a coup d’état could potentially lead to new leaders who were equally intransigent, perpetuating a cycle of instability.
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