Former President and NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama addressed the pressing need for a reset in Ghana’s governance, emphasizing that he is aware of his “level” in response to a recent remark by President Akufo-Addo, who questioned Mahama’s competence.
Speaking at the Good Governance Forum, Mahama confidently outlined his commitment to lead Ghana out of the current crisis, insisting his level is not that of a mere “clearing agent” but that of a leader prepared to steer the country back to stability and ethical governance.
Mahama’s remarks came in light of President Akufo-Addo’s recent statements, suggesting Mahama lacked the qualifications necessary to lead the country through its ongoing challenges. Mahama, however, expressed his awareness of his role and affirmed his ability to deliver decisive leadership for Ghanaians, who he said have been “subjected to a horror movie” over the past eight years.
Reflecting on Ghana’s socioeconomic challenges, Mahama cited reports from both the World Bank and the Ghana Statistical Service, noting that poverty levels have surged, with 870,000 Ghanaians reportedly slipping below the poverty line, and an additional 1.7 million classified as multidimensionally poor. He attributed these difficulties to what he described as “sociable greed” and a “catastrophic failure” of the current administration, pointing to alleged corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation.
The former president also highlighted that, despite President Akufo-Addo’s pledge to protect public funds, the government has not only “emptied the public purse” but, as Mahama humorously noted, “stolen the purse itself.” He criticized what he sees as a lack of accountability and integrity in governance, with Ghana’s national debt climbing from GHS 120 billion in 2016 to GHS 767 billion in 2024.
Mahama further addressed the pervasive corruption under the current government, referencing high-profile scandals such as the Agyapa Royalties deal, the COVID-19 expenditure controversies, and the unresolved murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale. He argued that unchecked corruption has worsened economic hardship for ordinary Ghanaians, insisting that the only solution is for voters to oust the NPP-led government in December 2024.
In his vision for governance, Mahama proposed creating a Government Advisory Council with representatives from civil society, religious groups, and labor unions to monitor and guide the administration’s actions. This council, he stated, would provide annual reports on the state of human rights and governance in Ghana, ensuring transparency and accountability.
By Eric Bekoe
