President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has labelled former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a "failed president" whose inability to secure a second term stemmed from poor economic management. 

Speaking at a meeting with professional bodies in Kumasi on Sunday, 24th November, President Akufo-Addo attributed Mr Mahama’s defeat in the 2016 elections to his mishandling of the economy, which led to widespread hardships among the Ghanaian population.

The President explained that Ghanaians had rejected Mr Mahama in 2016 because of the economic difficulties they faced under his administration. 

He cautioned the electorate against giving Mr Mahama another chance at the presidency, arguing that his previous tenure had not inspired confidence in his leadership abilities.

President Akufo-Addo also criticised the NDC’s proposal to implement a 24-hour economy, calling it impractical. 

He pointed out that during Mr Mahama’s time in office, the government struggled to provide a stable power supply for even 12 hours, making the idea of a 24-hour economy unrealistic. 

These remarks come as both the NPP and NDC intensify their campaigns ahead of the December 2024 elections.

The President further highlighted the economic challenges under Mr Mahama’s leadership, noting that in 2016, without any global crises affecting the country, Ghana’s GDP growth rate was a mere 3.4%, the lowest in over a decade. 

He remarked, “Mahama speaks as though he is a new figure in Ghanaian politics, but there is nothing new about him. He has been around for as long as I have, and many Ghanaians remember his record.”