The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has strongly responded to recent criticisms from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who described Mahama’s presidency as one defined by intermittent power supply, popularly known as ‘dumsor.’ The remarks from President Akufo-Addo, made on Monday, November 25, framed Mahama as a “failed president,” emphasizing that his administration was the only one not rewarded with a second term due to poor performance.
According to Akufo-Addo, while other Ghanaian leaders are celebrated for their significant contributions, Mahama’s legacy is overshadowed by prolonged power outages. He further ridiculed the NDC’s proposal for a “24-hour economy,” asserting that Mahama lacked the capacity to implement such an ambitious policy. Akufo-Addo questioned how Mahama, who he claimed struggled to maintain a consistent power supply during his tenure, could promise a round-the-clock economy. “If he could not keep the lights on for 12 hours during his tenure as president, how can he sustain a 24-hour economy? Stop that lies,” Akufo-Addo declared, branding the policy as misleading.
In a swift and firm rebuttal during his tour of the Western Region on Tuesday, Mahama dismissed the President’s assertions, labeling them as falsehoods unworthy of a leader of his stature. He asserted that the power challenges, which plagued the country during his administration, had been resolved before he exited office in January 2017. Mahama criticized Akufo-Addo for perpetuating what he described as baseless allegations, urging the President to leave such tactics to junior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“I expect that when NPP is telling lies, they’ll leave it to the younger ones and the junior ones to do. But when the senior ones like Nana Akufo-Addo say that ‘dumsor’ was not solved before they came, I heard him say that if we could not keep the lights on, how can we run a 24-hour economy? In 2016, ‘dumsor’ had been solved. Nobody’s lights went off in 2016, nobody had load shedding in 2016, that is on record,” Mahama firmly countered.
The former president further emphasized the disingenuous nature of the President’s remarks, suggesting that such statements not only undermine the truth but also discredit the credibility of the nation’s highest office. Mahama backed his claims with historical context, highlighting that his administration had made significant investments to address the power crisis, which included the procurement of power barges and infrastructure upgrades. These efforts, he noted, culminated in the stabilization of electricity supply by 2016, contrary to the narrative pushed by his critics.
Mahama also infused his response with a moral and spiritual perspective, drawing from Biblical scripture to denounce falsehoods. Referencing Proverbs 19:9, he remarked, “Liars cannot go to heaven. Let me give you a Bible quotation: Proverbs Chapter 19:9 says, ‘Those who bear false witness will not go unpunished, and the liars will be destroyed.’” His invocation of scripture underscored his broader appeal to integrity and truthfulness in political discourse, urging leaders to uphold these values.
This exchange highlights the intensifying political rivalry between the NDC and the NPP as the country approaches its next general election. Both parties have been ramping up their campaigns, with leaders using public platforms to critique their opponents’ records while touting their own achievements and policies. The debate over the legacy of Mahama’s administration, particularly the handling of the ‘dumsor’ crisis, has been a recurring theme in Ghanaian politics, serving as a battleground for contrasting narratives.
Mahama’s reference to resolving the power crisis in 2016 has often been corroborated by energy sector reports, which noted a significant improvement in electricity supply during the latter part of his presidency. However, his opponents, including Akufo-Addo, have continued to question the sustainability and long-term impact of his interventions. These opposing views reflect the polarized nature of Ghana’s political landscape, where achievements are often subject to partisan interpretation.
The former president also used the opportunity to reiterate his vision for the future, assuring Ghanaians that his leadership would prioritize honesty and transparency. He urged the electorate to critically evaluate the records and promises of all candidates, emphasizing the importance of trust and accountability in governance.
As the political discourse intensifies, Mahama’s response serves as a reminder of the centrality of legacy and truth in shaping public opinion. His firm rebuttal and invocation of scripture aim to not only defend his record but also challenge the integrity of his critics. Meanwhile, Akufo-Addo’s pointed critique reflects the high stakes of the upcoming election, where both parties are vying to convince Ghanaians of their capability to lead the nation into a prosperous future.
The ‘dumsor’ debate remains a poignant symbol of the challenges and progress in Ghana’s energy sector, encapsulating broader themes of governance, responsibility, and the enduring impact of leadership decisions. As the campaign season unfolds, this issue, alongside other pressing concerns, will undoubtedly shape the narratives and strategies of both the NDC and the NPP. Whether the electorate views Mahama’s tenure as a testament to resilience and problem-solving or as a cautionary tale of unmet expectations will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the election.
