John Dramani Mahama
John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections, has delivered a stark warning to those eyeing positions in his potential future administration: steer clear of corruption, or face the consequences alone. Speaking at a recent public engagement at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Mahama made it crystal clear that he won’t be covering up for anyone involved in corruption.
In his fiery address, Mahama emphasized that any official caught in the crosshairs of the Special Prosecutor should not expect any shielding from him. “Anybody who wants to be a minister, a CEO in John Mahama’s administration, when the Special Prosecutor comes after you, you are on your own. I am not your clearing agent,” he declared, responding to a question about his readiness to combat corruption.
Mahama’s tough stance reflects the frustration of a nation increasingly disillusioned by corruption scandals and the depletion of public funds. “The call to root out corruption and punish those involved is a call from the soul of the nation,” he said, underscoring the urgency of restoring public trust. With youth unemployment and despair on the rise, Mahama warned of dire consequences if the current trend continues.
Drawing attention to the worrying decline in young people’s faith in democracy, as highlighted by the Afro Barometer survey, Mahama cautioned that if corruption is not curbed, Ghana could face instability similar to the unrest seen in Central and East Africa. “This is the last chance for Ghanaians to rescue their democracy,” he stressed, adding that it cannot be “business as usual.”
Mahama also took a swipe at the culture of prosecuting members of previous regimes while turning a blind eye to corruption within one’s administration. He vowed that under his leadership, everyone, including those in the outgoing government, would be held accountable according to the rule of law.
He didn’t mince words about what awaits those who see public office as a shortcut to wealth. “If people want to come to government and make money, we are willing to help set up a cassava processing plant,” Mahama quipped. “Don’t come and take public office; because once you take public office, you must be prepared to account.”
As the 2024 elections approach, Mahama’s message is clear: corruption will not be tolerated, and those who think otherwise will be left to face the consequences on their own.
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