President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has taken a swipe at former President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting his status as Ghana’s only one-term president. During a campaign tour in the Ahafo Region on October 29, Akufo-Addo questioned Mahama’s credibility and political influence, suggesting that his lack of a second term undermines his claims of superiority.
This remark follows Mahama’s recent refusal to engage in a debate with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Mahama dismissed the idea, stating that debating Bawumia would undeservedly elevate the Vice President to his level. He insisted that he would only engage directly with his presidential equal.
Reacting to Mahama’s dismissal, President Akufo-Addo argued that Mahama has no grounds to claim superiority over Dr. Bawumia. He emphasized that Mahama’s tenure as a one-term president does not place him above the Vice President. “Mahama says he won’t debate Bawumia because Bawumia isn’t in his class. But let’s be clear: what class does Mahama claim to? If there is any class Mahama can claim, it is the unfortunate distinction of being Ghana’s only one-term president since the Fourth Republic,” Akufo-Addo stated.
Akufo-Addo urged supporters in Ahafo to back Bawumia in the upcoming elections, stressing that his Vice President’s leadership and contributions stand as a testament to his capacity to lead Ghana effectively. He called for support for Dr. Bawumia, noting that his vice president has the acumen, vision, and integrity necessary to manage Ghana for the years ahead.