Otumfour (seated) interacting with John Mahama
Former President John Dramani Mahama has been charged by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to be honest with Ghanaians, by admitting the wrongs he did while in government before telling the nation the new things he is bringing on board, as he seeks a comeback to the presidency.
Some people have interpreted Asantehene’s admonition as a call on Mr Mahama to have the humility and honesty to first admit that his presidency was a disaster and that he would not repeat same if voted into power again.
Otumfuo gave the admonition yesterday when the former President introduced his running mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, to him at the Manhyia Palace, in Kumasi.
Speaking in Twi, he said: “You have been a President before and you want to return as President. I have spoken to you a lot, and I have said that if you want to come back, let Ghanaians know what went wrong yesterday. Also let Ghanaians know that the mistakes won’t be repeated.”
“When you lost the election, I said that Ghanaians voted against you out of disappointment and anger. And when you were re-elected as flagbearer, and you informed me, I asked you whether you had looked at your mistakes in the past and how you can convince Ghanaians how you will correct those mistakes,” the Asantehene added.
Campaign on records
He further advised the former President to stick to issues during his campaign by telling Ghanaians what he did during his tenure as President and why he deserves a comeback.
“The sitting President, Nana Akufo-Addo, wants to be re-elected for another four years, and he has been going round explaining to Ghanaians what he has done. You have just told me what you did when you were President, and what you want to do if you get another chance. What you have to do is to tell Ghanaians the wrongs of the past and how you will correct those wrongs,” he said.
The Asantehene urged the two leading contenders to focus on campaign of issues and leave the people to be the best judges.
“The current President is telling Ghanaians what he has done in the past three and half years – that they have done better than you and they should be given another term of office. Everybody should talk about what they have done and what they will do. What you did in the past and what you will do in the future should be told, and the Ghanaian people will be the best judges,” the Asantehene told Mr Mahama.
No power, no visit?
He also took a swipe at the former President and his delegation for paying no regard to his palace while in opposition, telling them that they don’t have to visit him only when they are in government.
“Today, I have seen all my grandchildren that I haven’t seen in a while. You have brought all of them here today to come and see me. But you don’t have to only visit me when you are in government. You also have to visit me when you are out of government.”
