Former President John Dramani Mahama has found an unlikely ally in his quest for a grace period to deliver on his campaign promises if he wins the 2024 elections. Stephen Atubiga, a dismissed member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has thrown his support behind Mahama’s call, saying it is honest and realistic.
Mahama Seeks Honeymoon Period
Mahama, who is seeking a comeback after losing the 2016 and 2020 polls to President Nana Akufo-Addo, has asked the Ghanaian electorate to give him some time to address their needs if he is elected in 2024. He said he would not be able to fix all the problems created by the current administration in his first year in office.
“I am being very sincere with you. I can’t come and say that I will do everything in one year. It is not possible. I am not a magician. But I can assure you that I will work hard to make your life better,” Mahama said at a meeting with some traders in Accra last week.
Mahama’s request for a honeymoon period has been met with criticism from some quarters, especially from labor unions, who have demanded immediate action from any incoming government. They have argued that the country cannot afford to wait for another four years for development and social services.
Atubiga Backs Mahama’s Honesty
However, Atubiga, who has been expelled from the NDC for anti-party conduct, has backed Mahama’s position, citing the realities of taking over a political office under difficult times. He said he agrees with the former president’s honesty and urged the voters to be patient with him.
“For the first time, I support the honesty of the NDC presidential candidate as to needing more time to forfeit promises in case he wins,” Atubiga said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
He added that “no new government can fix their demands immediately after taking over as a new government.”
Atubiga said the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and other unions should be “more realistic” and understand that an incoming administration requires time to assess priorities before taking on new commitments.
“Any new government must have a balance sheet of all inherited debts and obligations in control, before making room for adding more,” he stated.
Atubiga’s Controversial Stance
Atubiga’s statement comes amid his strained relationship with the NDC, which he joined in 2012 as a presidential aspirant. He was later disqualified by the Electoral Commission for failing to meet the requirements.
In 2020, he contested the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Binduri constituency but lost to the incumbent MP, Robert Baba Kuganab-Lem. He then accused the party leadership of rigging the elections and threatened to contest as an independent candidate.
He was subsequently dismissed from the party for violating its constitution and code of conduct. He also formed his own political movement, the People’s Liberation Movement, which he said would champion the interests of the grassroots.
Atubiga has since been critical of the NDC and its flagbearer, Mahama, whom he accused of being surrounded by “incompetent” and “selfish” advisers. He also claimed that Mahama had no vision for the country and was only interested in power.
However, his latest endorsement of Mahama’s grace period request seems to indicate a change of tone and a possible reconciliation with the party.
Mahama’s 2024 Bid
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, is hoping to make history by becoming the first former president to be re-elected in Ghana. He has vowed to reverse the economic decline, fight corruption, create jobs, and improve health and education if he returns to power.
He has also promised to implement some of his flagship projects that were abandoned by the Akufo-Addo government, such as the free senior high school policy, the one-district-one-factory initiative, and the national health insurance scheme.
Mahama faces a tough challenge from Akufo-Addo, who has also declared his intention to seek a third term in 2024. Akufo-Addo has touted his achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, digitization, and social protection as reasons to retain him in office.
The 2024 elections are expected to be keenly contested, as both candidates have a strong base of support and a record of service to the nation. However, the final verdict will depend on the performance of the economy, the delivery of public goods, and the satisfaction of the voters.
Source: Modern Ghana
