Former President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to decisively vote against the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December elections. During a rally in Tamale Central as part of his Northern Region campaign tour, he emphasized that the election is about the future welfare of the people rather than a mere contest between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP. Mahama argued that his administration had provided better living conditions compared to the current government’s tenure under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, who he accused of making lofty promises that have not been fulfilled. He highlighted the need to increase the NDC’s previous electoral support in the region from 60.8% to over 75% in order to ensure a significant victory for his party.
Critiquing the current administration, Mahama pointed to the severe economic hardships that Ghanaians are facing under the NPP. He asserted that key sectors such as healthcare and education have regressed significantly since he left office on January 7, 2017. Mahama expressed frustration over the declining quality of essential services and asserted that the lives of Ghanaians have deteriorated during the NPP’s governance. By contrasting the situation now with his administration, he aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia for what he deemed better days under the NDC.
Mahama didn’t shy away from voicing his concerns about the healthcare system, explaining that financial constraints have made it challenging for many Ghanaians to afford medical treatment. He poignantly noted that individuals lacking funds today might not survive a hospital visit, underscoring the dire straits many face in accessing healthcare. This situation, he argued, is emblematic of broader systemic failures within the current government, which he claims has betrayed the trust of the electorate by failing to enhance the living standards of ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Mahama criticized the NPP for promising significant improvements that have instead resulted in worsening conditions across various sectors. He urged voters to recognize the implications of the NPP’s governance style, which he characterized as a departure from the progressive policies that his administration implemented. His rhetoric aimed to galvanize support for the NDC by framing the elections as a battle for the well-being of the nation, urging citizens to reflect on the hardships they currently endure when making their electoral choices.
As part of his campaign, Mahama committed to initiating critical infrastructure projects if re-elected, which included plans for the Tamale Water Expansion Project and a bridge over the White Volta at Daboya. These initiatives were presented as part of his broader vision to restore hope and improve the lives of Ghanaians, particularly in the Northern Region, which he deemed underfunded and neglected under the current administration. His focus on infrastructure development was intended to demonstrate his commitment to tangible progress and appeal to voters who may feel marginalized by the existing government’s policies.
In conclusion, Mahama’s messages resonated with themes of nostalgia for a more prosperous past and urgency for change as Ghanaians approach the election. His passionate appeals during the rally sought not only to critique the NPP’s governance but also to inspire confidence in the NDC’s capability to lead the country back to a path of recovery and growth. By emphasizing a collective responsibility to vote for the welfare of the nation, Mahama positioned himself and the NDC as a viable alternative for Ghanaians disillusioned by ongoing economic hardships and declining public services.
