Ghana needs experience not experiment, says Mahama

The former president announced his candidacy at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Sokode, Volta Region

John Mahama

Former president John Dramani Mahama has officially declared his intention to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the next presidential elections in 2024.

The former president announced his candidacy at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Sokode, Volta Region, saying he made the decision after months of prayer, broad consultation, and sober reflection.

He is expected to face competition from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), like former trade minister Alan Kyerematen and former agriculture minister Afriyie Owusu Akoto, who are already on the ground campaigning. Ghana’s vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia is yet to officially announce his bid but his handlers have indicated that he is also eyeing the top post.

Addressing the gathering at the Cedi Auditorium, UHAS on Thursday, 2 March 2023, Mahama said at this stage what Ghana needs is experience as well as togetherness.

“At this stage Ghana demands experience and not experiment,” he said. “Ghana demands togetherness, not divisiveness.”

“Ghana needs a leader who will hit the ground running on 7 January 2025. Ghana needs a leader who will not be given an orientation and excursion through the Flagstaff House – the seat of government,” Mahama said.

“Ghana used to be the shinning light on the continent of Africa, and I’m of the strongest conviction that we can attain those times again. I believe it and we will lead by example,” he added.

He described the 2024 elections as the most important and defining elections in the history of the country given the “most difficult and challenging period of our history” in the past six years.

The former president goes into the NDC presidential pPrimary on Saturday (13 May) as the clear favourite with Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Kojo Bonsu and Ernest Krobea as those likely to stand in his way.