The Vice Chairman of the Communications Committee of Parliament, Sylvester Tetteh is unenthused about former President Mahama’s campaign messages in a bid to return to power.
He noted that the former President's promise to scrap ex-gratia is frivolous and can only be taken seriously when he surrenders all the benefits he has enjoyed under the same policy.
He said that Mr Mahama is the biggest beneficiary of Article 71 in the history of the country.
“He has an opportunity. If indeed he means what he’s saying, he has an opportunity to demonstrate to Ghanaians.
"In this country, Togbui Afede said he doesn’t want to take his ex-gratia so he’s giving it to the country – and you want to be president again, and you are enjoying the benefits of Article 71 office holders you want to scrap. So the best test for you is to surrender it,” he said.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, the legislator speculated that although the message of the former president may be valid, he cannot be trusted, saying he’s the “wrong messenger.”
He added that much as Mr Mahama was unsuccessful at scrapping ex-gratia during his tenure due to his inability to garner support, his personal decision should have made the difference.
Mr Tetteh, however, said that aside from Mr Mahama’s party supporters, no Ghanaian trusts his policies in that although he had been in office for a long period of time, he could not effect such a change.
He explained that, with the desire to make such a change, the former president should have set an example when he was no more in power.
Former President John Dramani Mahama launched his campaign on Thursday, March 2, in a bid to contest for the flagbearership position of the NDC.
Mr Mahama has run for Ghana’s highest office three times, losing in the last two elections to current President Nana Akufo-Addo.
His campaign begins as Ghana's struggling economy is the country's top concern.
At the campaign launch, he promised to scrap ex-gratia under Article 71 if given the nod to lead the country as its president.
He also said he will stage a probe into public funds, especially Covid-19 funds and appoint a maximum of 60 ministers and among others, should he be given the nod to regain power.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana risks economic strain if Israel-Iran tensions escalate – Collins Adomako
2 minutes -
Bridging the AI Education Gap: How African schools can leapfrog into the future
6 minutes -
Today’s Front pages: Monday, June 16,2025
10 minutes -
Minority raise concerns over delayed disbursement of common funds
18 minutes -
Appolonia City provides hot meals for BECE candidates in major CSR initiative
20 minutes -
Dubai’s AI Operating System: A strategic blueprint for governments and future of African economies
29 minutes -
Telecel Ghana Foundation brings healing and hope to James Camp Prison for Father’s Day
37 minutes -
Help us improve our food systems – NAFCO appeals to WFP
48 minutes -
Ahiagbah calls for Health Minister’s resignation over GRNMA strike
1 hour -
Attorney General’s NSA update serves public interest – Franklin Cudjoe
1 hour -
Postponing Fuel Levy a pragmatic move amid global oil uncertainty – IMANI boss
1 hour -
Minority mulls court action over unapproved Damang Mine lease deal
1 hour -
YEA deal expired, not terminated – Zoomlion
2 hours -
VRA cautions against farming, building within 280ft Volta Lake contour
2 hours -
Ghana, China sign MoU to build NEV Assembly Plant
2 hours