Former President John Mahama has urged Ghanaians, particularly trade and labor groups, to provide him with a grace period if he successfully regains power. This plea comes in response to the heightened demand for improved conditions of service from these groups.
Speaking at a ‘Campus Connect’ event in Hohoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer emphasized the significance of allowing time to revive the economy before addressing specific demands.
“And you will realize the harm that the NPP administration has done to Ghana’s economy. This country is broke, so we will beg you that when we come into office, give us a bit of a honeymoon. Let’s put things in place so that we can bring the economy back onto its feet.”
Mahama underscored that his party is proceeding cautiously in making promises for the 2024 election, taking into account the challenges confronting the ailing economy.
“And I will plead with the teachers’ union, GNAT, NAGRAT, UTAG, and TEWU, and all of them. I know all of you are clamoring for allowances. Let me caution you that in 2025 when we take over, we will show you the books and the finances of this country.”
Mr. Mahama made these remarks during his ‘Building Ghana’ tour of the Volta region, assuring that his campaign would refrain from making extravagant pledges ahead of the 2024 election.
“And when we have done that, we can accede to your demands again. That’s why I’m being very measured in the promises that I make because we all know the crises in which this country has been plunged.”
Speaking on the Day Break Upper East Show, the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Sampson Tangombu Chiragiaa, backed the former president’s call, saying it was honest and reflective of the times we are in.
“We know where we are. I do not want to talk about the IMF program, but you know where this economy has gone down to. We are getting more taxes but no income, and they are driving the economy to a point where it would be difficult to come back from. Looking at the issue and what is happening, the new person that is coming, that is John Mahama, would definitely need not less than a year. If we all want to build back this economy to a good point, there is the need to have a deliberate attempt to support whoever is taking over to bring things back.”
While admitting the former President has an idea of what the country is going through, the debt stock, et al, Mr. Tangombu Chiragiaa argued that it is difficult to know the exact trouble the country is going through because the government has not been honest in communicating what ails the country. The only way to know what truly ails the country, the MP said, was for the NDC to take over the reins of government.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
