Would you have become president if Mahama hadn't handed over power? - Henry Osei Akoto quizzes Akufo-Addo
15th May 2024
Henry Osei Akoto, a former National Organizer aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his recent declaration that he will not hand over power to someone he has defeated twice in elections.
Speaking in an interview on TV XYZ on May 14, 2024, Akoto emphasized the importance of democratic principles and peaceful transitions of power.
He pointed out that if former president John Dramani Mahama had not handed over power to Akufo-Addo following his electoral defeat, Akufo-Addo would not be president today.
"We have heard that President Akufo-Addo has said that he wouldn’t hand over power to Mahama.
“If Mahama did not hand over power to you, would you have become president by now? You don't talk like that. You don't talk like that as a president,” he said.
Akoto urged President Akufo-Addo to refrain from making such comments, highlighting the need for adherence to democratic norms.
What Akufo-Addo said:
The president recently called on first-time voters to register in the ongoing 2024 Limited Voters' Registration Exercise so that they can vote massively against the Mahama.
According to the president, the NDC flagbearer will destroy all the gains his government has made if he comes into power again.
He, therefore, urged voters to make Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), his successor so that the gains of his government would be cemented.
“The registration has started; I urge all persons yet to register to do so, your vote is your power.
“I can't hand over to someone I defeated twice and who is not happy with everything I do; he will destroy the work that I have done,” Akufo-Addo is quoted as having said while addressing supporters at a mini rally in Doboro in the Greater Accra Region.
He added, “Vote for Dr Bawumia; I have worked with him for the past seven and a half years, I have confidence in him, and I know he can continue the good work.”