Take Your Responsibilities As Prez Seriously, Ghanaians Deserve Better - Mahama Chides Akufo-Addo

Former President John Dramani Mahama has lashed out at President Akufo-Addo asking the latter to do away with the "rabble-rousing skits" he is treating Ghanaians to and focus on alleviating the appalling living conditions of the citizenry.

To him, though President Akufo-Addo has carved a niche as a good campaigner, unfortunately he is a poor leader as Ghanaians have found out at a great cost and urged him to attach serious responsibilities to the position he occupies.

Mr Mahama was reacting to remarks made by his successor during the commissioning of the New Patriotic Party (NPP's) constituency office complex at Juaben in the Ashanti Region over the weekend.

President Akufo-Addo, in his address, acknowledged that Ghanaians are going through difficult times, but held that blame cannot be laid at his doorstep.

While absolving himself and his administration of any responsibility in that regard, he pointed out that a revival of Ghana’s economy is hinged on Ghanaians’ decision to support the government’s vision.

I admit that Ghanaians are going through difficult times, some people are trying to say that it is my fault but you know that is not the case. I am hopeful that if you all support the vision of this government, we will be able to turn things around,” President Akufo-Addo said.

As if that was not enough, the President took his attack an octave higher later on Sunday, when during his address of party faithfuls at the NPP's Delegates Conference, challenged Mr. Mahama to show any of the policies the NDC party has suggested in its five years in opposition.

What is the one policy that the National Democratic Congress and their leader, John Dramani Mahama have brought about in this five years in opposition. Somebody should give me one idea that has emerged from the National Democratic Congress that will bring about progress for Ghana. The answer is zero, not one single idea,” he added.

But in a facebook post, Mr Mahama has fired a sharp riposte saying the comments made by the President were because he, Akufo-Addo, had not read the NDC’s 2020 People’s manifesto and was willing to provide him with an autographed copy.

To answer his rhetorical question on policy, if only he took a moment, in the comfort of his chartered jet, to read the People's manifesto, he would have at least learnt about the 'Big Push' (an accelerated infrastructure plan for Ghana), 'Free Primary Health Care Plan', the ‘1 million jobs plan’, 'Ghana FIRST' (Framework for Industrial Revitalisation, Support and Transformation) and several other well-thought-through and costed policies.

Read Statement Below

"I think the President must take his responsibilities seriously and focus on working to change the circumstances of our people, rather than the rabble-rousing skits he serves the nation.

To answer his rhetorical question on policy, if only he took a moment, in the comfort of his chartered jet, to read the People's manifesto, he would have at least learnt about the 'Big Push' (an accelerated infrastructure plan for Ghana), 'Free Primary Health Care Plan', the ‘1 million jobs plan’, 'Ghana FIRST' (Framework for Industrial Revitalisation, Support and Transformation) and several other well-thought-through and costed policies.

I am willing to provide him with an autographed copy of the manifesto.

With his speech of yesterday, he has carved his niche as a good campaigner, but unfortunately a poor leader as Ghanaians have found out at great cost."