Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticized former President John Dramani Mahama and urged Ghanaian youth not to support his return to power.
Addressing the media in Bolgatanga on Friday, Mustapha described Mahama’s previous tenure as marked by significant failures and inefficiencies.
Mustapha highlighted the electricity crisis, commonly called “dumsor,” which plagued Ghana during Mahama’s presidency. He accused Mahama of mismanagement, stating, “We witnessed his shambolic performance as president, which saw your parents losing their jobs or customers because of dumsor.
Four years of President John Mahama was four years of dumsor.” He further criticized Mahama for signing excessive power purchase agreements (PPAs), which led to an annual expenditure of up to $1 billion on unused power.
The NPP Youth Organizer also attacked Mahama’s handling of the economy, asserting that the former president inherited an oil-rich economy but failed to manage it effectively.
He pointed out that by 2014, Ghana’s cedi was among the worst-performing currencies, and by 2015, the country had sought an IMF bailout. Mustapha recalled Mahama’s admission of economic mismanagement and described his leadership as ineffective.
Describing Mahama as “lazy,” Mustapha noted that Mahama reportedly arrived at the office late and left early, with his cabinet meetings being infrequent. He contrasted this with the current administration’s work ethic, praising President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for their dedication and hard work. This dedication should inspire and motivate the Ghanaian youth to support the NPP.
Mustapha emphasized the significant differences between the current administration and the NDC’s candidate, framing the upcoming election as a choice between severe leadership and past failures. He highlighted Vice President Bawumia’s dynamic approach and the NPP’s achievements, contrasting them with what he described as Mahama’s ineffective leadership. This is a testament to the NPP’s potential and the hope it brings for Ghana’s future.
“This is the stark difference between a serious person and someone who leads for the perks. John Mahama did not take his job seriously then and would not take it seriously if you make the mistake of bringing him back,” Mustapha said.
He concluded by urging voters to carefully consider the candidates’ track records and character, emphasizing that the choice between Bawumia and Mahama should be guided by their past performances and commitment to effective leadership. This call to action should make the audience feel responsible and engaged in the political process.
