'I have arrested the 8, break it let’s see' - John Mahama

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on party supporters to rally behind the number “8” position on the ballot paper, stating that he has "arrested" it and it is now in his custody. 

Interacting with traders and residents at the Kokompe Spare Parts Market in Darkuman in the Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra Region on Friday [Sept 27, 2024], where he also addressed a mini rally, Mr Mahama teased those he said previously claimed they could "break" the number 8, saying they should now come to him, as he's the rightful holder of that number.

“The person who was claiming he will break the 8 should break it and let’s see, the eight is with me, I have arrested the eight,” Mr Mahama said, to cheers and chants from the crowd. 

Third phase

The former President’s campaign entered its third phase in the Greater Accra Region, with a packed itinerary of community engagements and durbars.

He began by interacting with traders at the Kokompe Spare Parts Market where he listened to their concerns and shared his vision for the country 's development.

Former President Mahama promised to introduce a fixed dollar rate for the spare part dealers, scrap “nuisance” taxes, and help relocate the Kokompe market to a befitting place that would improve the businesses of the traders. 

Mr Mahama also headed to the Tsui Maamli Trotro Station in Odorkor, also in Ablekuma North, where he interacted with commuters and drivers, and discussed issues affecting their daily lives before addressing a large rally. 

Victory

He assured the gathering of the eventual victory for the party in the December elections, stating that it was a national assignment to vote out the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and bring in the NDC under his leadership to fix the economy.

The former President said he would work to reduce the hardship on individuals and businesses, investigate and prosecute corrupt officials and reset the country on the path to growth. 

Mr Mahama told the teeming supporters that they should look out for the number ‘8’ position as well as the umbrella logo of the NDC on the ballot box when they entered the voting booth on election day. 

He said the NPP was likely to induce people with money and admonished them against vote buying. 

“They have made a lot of money so they will come with items and money but don’t be swayed by that, take the money but don’t vote for them,” Mr Mahama said. 

The former President is also expected to take an interactive walk at Abossey Okai Takoradi Station in Ablekuma Central, participate in a community durbar at Tunga's JC Mensah Methodist Park in Ablekuma West, and other community engagements in the Ablekuma South Constituency. 

The gatherings are expected to allow him to connect with grassroots supporters and outline his manifesto's key points.

Mr Mahama's campaign focuses on sharing his vision, proposals, policies and programmes outlined in the NDC 2024 Resetting Ghana manifesto.