Former President and flagbearer for the opposition NDC, John Mahama, is confident about the widespread support for his 24-hour economy proposal. He noted that this acceptance has unsettled the governing NPP, prompting them to launch attacks on the policy through misinformation and slander.
At a national policy dialogue organized by the NDC, Mr Mahama addressed the criticisms from the NPP, stating that the era of using falsehoods for political gain is over.
He reiterated his commitment to reducing the size of government, with fewer Ministries, Ministers, and appointees, eliminating ex-gratia payments, scrapping taxes like the e-levy, and implementing comprehensive constitutional and governance reforms, which says has forced his opponent, Dr Bawumia, to make similar promises despite being a key figure in the current administration.
Mr Mahama emphasized his determination to fulfill his pledges and deliver on his promises.
He criticized the NPP flagbearer for trying to distance himself from the economic challenges. Mr Mahama emphasized that true leadership does not involve making excuses or shirking responsibility. He pointed out that it is unacceptable to make lofty economic promises in 2016, assume leadership, mismanage the economy, cause hardship and suffering, and then attempt to evade accountability by claiming to be a mere bystander to the chaos.
Drawing a comparison between his performance as vice president and the current vice president, Dr Bawumia, Mr Mahama emphasized his track record of taking responsibility. He highlighted the stark difference in approach between himself and Dr Bawumia with regard to owning up to their actions and decisions.
“There is no room in leadership for excuse-making. You cannot make grandiose promises about the economy in 2016 only to be put in charge, run it down, push all of us into suffering and hardships, and turn around to say you were only the mate of a reckless driver and, therefore, you should be excused from blame” he said.