Former President John Mahama has launched a scathing critique against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of trying to distance himself from his government’s track record during a recent media engagement. Mahama’s comments, made during his campaign tour in the Greater Accra Region, suggest that Bawumia’s recent statements indicate an attempt to evade responsibility for the current administration’s perceived failures.
Speaking at community engagements in Bonikope, Sege, and Kasseh, Mahama ridiculed Bawumia’s performance at the media encounter, saying, “When a smooth talker suddenly becomes a stammerer at a media encounter, then you know they are lying.” Mahama, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, implied that Bawumia’s apparent hesitation and uncertainty during his media appearance were signs of dishonesty.
Mahama argued that Bawumia’s decision to hold a media encounter immediately after the NDC announced its manifesto launch was a tactic to divert public attention. He claimed the timing was strategically planned to overshadow the NDC’s manifesto, asserting, “The intention for doing that media encounter, the next day after we had announced our manifesto, was to turn the attention of Ghanaians from the NDC manifesto.”
Criticism Over Accountability and Governance
Mahama did not hold back in his criticism of Bawumia’s attempt to separate himself from his administration’s shortcomings while taking credit for its successes. He pointed out that the Vice President’s approach was highly unusual and showed a lack of accountability. “This is the first time I’m seeing a Vice President running away from his President’s track record,” Mahama stated, expressing disbelief over Bawumia’s remarks distancing himself from the government’s actions.
Continuing his critique, Mahama emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in governance. He stated, “Government is a continuum; government is a whole; government is a collective.” The former president stressed that democratic governance involves shared responsibilities and that Bawumia should not shirk his duties or the government’s failures while being eager to claim its achievements.
Drawing from his own experience, Mahama noted that as head of the Economic Management Team under President Mills, he never distanced himself from the administration’s budget, even though it was presented in President Mills’ name. He argued that the budget is a collective cabinet decision, and it is disingenuous for Bawumia to distance himself from economic failures while taking credit for successes.
A Call for Integrity and Transparency in Leadership
Mahama’s remarks also touched on the broader theme of integrity and transparency in leadership. He criticized Bawumia’s strategy of selectively associating himself with the government’s successes while denying responsibility for its failures. Mahama’s critique suggests a need for greater honesty and accountability from political leaders, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
He underscored the need for leaders to own both their achievements and their shortcomings, stating, “You can’t separate yourself from the government’s failures while only claiming credit for its successes.” This statement highlights Mahama’s call for more transparency and accountability in governance, urging leaders to face the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative.
Mahama also took a swipe at other members of the government, mentioning in a light-hearted tone that “the one following him too [NAPO] was also sleeping,” referring to an alleged lack of engagement or awareness among some government officials during the media encounter. This comment further emphasized his point about the need for leaders who are fully present and accountable.
As Ghana approaches its next election, Mahama’s statements underscore the tension and rivalry between the leading political figures. His remarks serve as a reminder of the high stakes involved in political discourse and the need for integrity and accountability from all sides.
Source: Graphic Online
