You Could Not Keep The Lights On; How Can You Run A 24-Hour Economy? Akufo-Addo to Mahama | Politics

President Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to scrutinize former President John Mahama’s leadership record as he seeks re-election in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Speaking during an engagement with professional bodies and party supporters in Kumasi at the start of his three-day tour of the Ashanti Region, the President highlighted Mr Mahama’s previous administration as a reason for his defeat in 2016.

“There are four other people who have had the blessing of the Almighty and the support of the people of Ghana to become Presidents,” President Akufo-Addo noted. “Jerry John Rawlings had a second term, John Agyekum Kufuor had a second term, and I have had a second term. The only one who was not given a second term was John Dramani Mahama. There is a reason for that—because Ghanaians were unhappy about his abysmal performance, which is why he was voted out.”

The President questioned Mr. Mahama’s promises, particularly his proposal for a “24-hour economy,” drawing attention to the infamous power crisis, or “dumsor,” during his tenure.

“Today, he is staging a comeback. What is he coming to do? A 24-hour economy? You couldn’t keep the lights on for 12 hours during ‘dumsor’ when you were President, and now you are coming to give us a 24-hour economy? How are you going to do that? Please, don’t let anybody confuse you with these things,” he urged.

President Akufo-Addo also used the platform to reaffirm his government’s commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians, emphasizing achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
 
His visit to the Ashanti Region forms part of his efforts to engage with key stakeholders, assess ongoing projects, and galvanize support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2024 elections.

He is expected to inspect and commission various developmental projects and meet with traditional leaders as part of the tour.