Former President John Dramani Mahama has declared his intention to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 presidential elections.
The former President announced his candidature 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.
This will be the former President’s second attempt to reclaim power, and if he wins the 2024 elections, it will be a watershed moment in the country’s history.
As veteran Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, whom he defeated in 2012, is no longer eligible to run, he is expected to face a new candidate from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The current president has served his mandatory eight-year term.
Addressing the gathering at the Cedi Auditorium, UHAS on Thursday, March 2, Mr Mahama said at this stage what Ghana needs is experience as well as togetherness.
“At this stage Ghana demands experience not experiment. Ghana demands togetherness, not divisiveness,” he stated.
He added: “Now is the time for bravery of hearts and character of purpose.”
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.
He described the Akufo-Addo-led administration as “clueless and at many times callous”.
“We are saddled with debt we simply cannot pay,” he pointed out, adding also that the current administration has subjected the country to ignominy in the eyes of the international community.
The former President goes into the NDC Presidential Primary on Saturday, May 13 as the clear favourite with Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Kojo Bonsu and Ernest Korbea as those likely to stand in his way.
