John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of Ghana’s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently criticized the current administration led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Mahama expressed his concerns about the damage inflicted on Ghana’s democratic foundations in a social media post on April 29, 2021.
Mahama’s critique comes at a crucial time since Akufo-Addo’s term is almost ending. Mahama highlighted several actions and attitudes from the current administration that, according to him, put Ghana’s democratic ethos in danger. One of the controversial actions that Mahama pointed out was Akufo-Addo’s insistence that traditional chiefs stand to greet him. Mahama believes that this demand should concern political observers due to its implications on presidential decorum and the respect for traditional protocols.
Mahama is concerned about Akufo-Addo’s comments about his succession. The current president’s statement that he cannot be succeeded by anyone he has previously defeated in elections suggests a disdain for democratic processes and a preference for personal power. Mahama describes this as both arrogant and inherently anti-democratic. He believes that such statements undermine the fundamental democratic principle of a peaceful transition of power.
In his post, Mahama emphasizes that the choice of Ghana’s next leader should be determined by the electorate under the guidance of divine will, and not by the incumbent’s personal preferences or manipulative tactics. This principle is vital for the sustenance of democracy, and must be respected to ensure that the nation’s leadership reflects the true will of its people.
Mahama also references recent violent incidents that marred the electoral process, specifically pointing to the events during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 general elections, where state-sponsored violence led to the deaths of eight citizens. These episodes, he asserts, are indicative of the lengths to which Akufo-Addo might go to secure electoral outcomes favorable to his preferred successor, actions that threaten the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
In a call to action, Mahama reassures that both he and the NDC will stand against any attempts to undermine Ghana’s democracy. He recalled advising President Akufo-Addo during a recent encounter in Damongo, stressing that the most enduring legacy Akufo-Addo could leave would be overseeing an election characterized by peace, transparency, and credibility.
The upcoming elections in Ghana have brought about heightened political tension in the country. Against this backdrop, former President Mahama has raised concerns about the state of governance and the potential erosion of democratic norms. His comments have resonated not only within political circles but also among the general populace.
These accusations have serious implications, as they call for a critical examination of President Akufo-Addo’s administration’s approach to governance and democratic stewardship. Such concerns about democratic backsliding are not unique to Ghana but are part of broader discussions on democracy in Africa. Many nations in the continent are grappling with the challenges of maintaining democratic integrity in the face of political, economic, and social pressures.
As Ghana approaches its next electoral milestone, the debate stirred by Mahama’s comments will likely intensify. It calls for a broader engagement from all sectors of Ghanaian society to safeguard their democratic institutions and ensure that leadership transitions reflect the genuine aspirations of its citizens. This debate is crucial for the future of Ghana’s democracy and its development, underscoring the need for vigilance, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles among Ghana’s political leaders and its citizenry.
Source: Graphic Online
