The political landscape in Ghana is charged as John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly warned against any attempt by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to cling to power if they lose the upcoming general elections.
In a statement made on Monday, Mahama asserted that Ghanaians would respond with significant anger if the NPP refused to cede power.
“Let us win this election, and if the nincompoop says he will not hand over power, you will see the anger of Ghanaians,” he declared, highlighting the stakes of the December 7 election.
This warning follows recent comments from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who directly addressed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Bagbin criticized Akufo-Addo’s remarks, suggesting he might not hand over power if defeated.
According to Bagbin, Akufo-Addo’s statement is an “empty boast” and a dangerous incitement to potential violence, underlining the urgency of the situation and the need for a peaceful resolution.
In an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu, Bagbin emphasized the critical nature of the 2024 elections, comparing it to past elections to underline its significance and the weight of the decision that the voters will have to make.
“This is a critical election that will determine whether we are truly committed to the cause of multiparty constitutional democracy. It’s about the soul of our nation,” Bagbin said.
He expressed shock at Akufo-Addo’s comments: “The power he is wielding is not his; it is for the people, particularly the voters.
The people voted and gave you that power, and once they voted for you on January 6, 2024, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has no such power. It is just an empty boast.”
In contrast, President Akufo-Addo defended his stance in a recent rally in Doboro, Greater Accra.
He reiterated his lack of confidence in Mahama, whom he had defeated in previous elections, and expressed his belief that Mahama would undermine the progress made under his administration.
“I can’t hand over to someone I defeated twice and who is not happy with everything I do; he will destroy the work that I have done,” Akufo-Addo said.
Akufo-Addo endorsed Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as his preferred successor, praising Bawumia’s capability to continue his administration’s work.
“Vote for Dr Bawumia; I have worked with him for the past seven and a half years; I have confidence in him; I know he can continue the good work,” he urged his supporters.
The exchange of statements between leading political figures underscores the heightened tensions as Ghana approaches the December elections.
Both major parties are positioning themselves for a crucial and potentially contentious electoral battle, raising concerns about the nation’s stability and future.
