Former President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a two-day campaign tour of the Central Region, dubbed “Building Ghana”. The tour is part of his efforts to reconnect with the grassroots of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and rally support for his bid to reclaim power in the 2024 general election.
A Warm Reception
Mahama and his entourage were warmly received by traditional authorities, supporters, and interest groups in various constituencies. He shared his vision of rescuing the country from the current economic challenges and restoring hope for the future. He also solicited feedback from the people on their needs and expectations.
The former president expressed his gratitude for the votes he received in the 2020 election, which he claimed was rigged in favor of the incumbent, President Nana Akufo-Addo. According to a report by Ghana Web, he urged the NDC faithful to remain vigilant and united to ensure a free and fair election in 2024.
A Strong Base
The Central Region is considered a swing region in Ghanaian politics, as it has alternated between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in previous elections. In 2020, the NPP won 19 out of the 23 parliamentary seats in the region, while the NDC won only four. However, Mahama managed to secure 49.9% of the presidential votes in the region, compared to Akufo-Addo’s 49.3%.
Mahama’s campaign tour is aimed at consolidating his base in the region and winning back the hearts of undecided and disgruntled voters. He promised to revive the abandoned projects and initiatives that he started during his tenure, such as the Komenda Sugar Factory, the Cape Coast Airport, and the free senior high school policy.
Mahama also used the opportunity to criticize the current administration for its poor performance, corruption, and mismanagement of the economy. He accused Akufo-Addo of failing to deliver on his promises and plunging the country into debt and hardship. He said the NDC had a better track record and a more competent team to steer the country to prosperity.
The former president ended his tour with a hopeful message, saying that Ghana deserved better and that the NDC was ready to offer a new leadership that would serve the interests of the people. He called on the electorate to vote for change and give him another chance to lead the nation to greater heights.
