John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reaffirmed the fundamental democratic principle that the outcome of Ghana’s elections, as determined by the people, is the sole determinant of the successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
This assertion dismisses Akufo-Addo’s reservations and underscores the essence of Ghana’s political system.
Speaking at the Central Regional House of Chiefs after introducing his running mate, Mahama emphasized the pivotal role of the Ghanaian electorate in deciding who assumes office. He made it clear that this decision rests with the people, not the incumbent president, thereby empowering the electorate and reinforcing the democratic process.
“Please convey to President Akufo-Addo that it is not within his purview to dictate who he will hand over to,” Mahama asserted. “He should simply promise that he will respect the outcome of the elections. If the people of Ghana choose John Mahama and elect me, he will have no choice but to hand over power to me.”
Mahama’s remarks responded to Akufo-Addo’s recent comments during a rally, where he expressed reluctance to hand over power to someone he had defeated in previous elections.
“I cannot hand over to someone I defeated twice and who is dissatisfied with everything I have done,” Akufo-Addo had stated. He urged his supporters to vote for Dr. Bamwua, citing his confidence in Bamwua’s ability to continue his administration’s work.
Mahama’s stance underscores the foundational principle of democratic transitions of power based on electoral outcomes. He reiterated the importance of respecting the electorate’s will, thereby ensuring a secure and stable transition, and emphasizing that the peaceful transfer of power is fundamental to Ghana’s democratic stability and progress.
As the electoral campaign intensifies, Mahama’s assertion aims to uphold democratic norms and underscore the necessity for peaceful, lawful transitions of power in Ghana’s political landscape.
