Mahama's one term achievement as President is 'not in Bawumia's class' - Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reacted to John Dramani Mahama's decision not to engage Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in a debate as part of the 2024 presidential election campaign.

To President Akufo-Addo, Mr Mahama, who is contesting the election as the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress is at a low level, being the only one-term president of Ghana, and therefore cannot claim a class over the New Patriotic Party's presidential candidate.

President Akufo-Addo was speaking during a campaign tour in the Ahafo Region on Tuesday, October 29.

He questioned Mr Mahama’s decision to forgo a proposed policy debate with Dr. Bawumia. 

Mr Mahama had dismissed the call and said engaging Bawumia in a debate would undeservedly elevate Bawumia to his "level" as a former president.

He argued that he does not have a responsibility to engage in any policy debate with a sitting Vice President, indicating that he would only engage directly with his presidential equal.

But in a sharp response, President Akufo-Addo dismissed Mr Mahama's claim of political seniority, citing how the former president's singular record in Ghana as the only one-term head of state does not give him any basis to feel superior to Dr. Bawumia on any issue.

He reminded the gathering that Mahama's single term in office came to an end after he lost the 2016 election, which, according to Akufo-Addo, was an expression of the will of the people against the leadership and performance of Mahama.

"Mahama says he won't debate Bawumia because Bawumia isn't in his class. But let's be clear: what class does Mahama claim to?
If there is any class Mahama can claim, it is the unfortunate distinction of being Ghana's only one-term president since the Fourth Republic.

He is the only president who was denied a second term by the people for poor performance."

President Akufo-Addo added, as he emphasized that Mahama's argument did not hold water, especially in touting Dr. Bawumia's contributions and leadership capabilities.

He said Bawumia had been a hardworking Vice President of Ghana and that it was now his turn to contest the presidency, to which he was committed to advancement he said Mahama failed to accomplish.

President Akufo-Addo again called for support for Dr Bawumia, noting that his vice president has what it takes in acumen, vision, and integrity necessary to manage Ghana for the next years ahead.

It is not about empty titles or claiming a status. It is, quite simply, about work; commitment to Ghana's future and what Bawumia can offer this nation," he said.

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