President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has raised concerns about the credibility of former President John Dramani Mahama, urging Ghanaians to hold political leaders accountable for their promises. During a three-day tour of the Western North Region, the President questioned Mahama’s track record and ability to deliver on key commitments.
Speaking to constituents, Akufo-Addo referenced several instances where he believes Mahama failed to fulfill promises, starting with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). “When the Bill to establish the NHIS was being passed in 2003, I was in Parliament,” he said. “I saw NDC MPs, including Mahama, staging a walkout in opposition. Later, when President Kufuor successfully implemented the NHIS, Mahama and Mills promised a one-time premium payment for the scheme. For eight solid years, that promise was never fulfilled.”
Akufo-Addo also criticized Mahama’s latest proposal to introduce free primary healthcare if elected. “Now Mahama says he will bring free primary healthcare. But can we trust him? Did he fulfill his past promises? No, we cannot,” he remarked.
During his administration, the President further accused Mahama of disregarding public outcry, particularly over the cancellation of teacher and nursing trainee allowances. “When we begged him to reinstate the allowances, he refused, even saying that losing the 2016 elections was a price he was willing to pay. I restored those allowances when I came into office, and now he claims he will continue paying them. Can we trust him? Absolutely not!” Akufo-Addo stated.
On education, Akufo-Addo highlighted Mahama’s initial opposition to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which the current administration successfully implemented. “Mahama said Free SHS was unrealistic and would take 20 years to implement. Two years ago, he claimed that if you had GH¢2 billion, you shouldn’t spend it all on Free SHS. Now he says he will continue the policy if given the chance. What has changed? The Ghanaian people deserve answers,” he argued.
Akufo-Addo described Mahama as inconsistent, stating, “You have fought the Free SHS policy all this while. What has changed your mind? This flip-flopping is not the kind of leadership Ghanaians deserve.”
The President’s remarks add to the growing debate ahead of the 2024 general elections, where Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, is expected to face off against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Source:NKONKONSA.com
