Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has announced plans to move to Togo if former President John Mahama wins the 2024 elections. He criticized Mahama’s previous administration and expressed concerns over corruption and unresolved debts from past campaigns, stating that a four-year term would not suffice to resolve Ghana’s issues. Mahama, after the elections, was declared the winner by the Electoral Commission, marking a significant political moment in Ghana.
In a bold declaration made prior to the upcoming 2024 general elections, legal practitioner Maurice Ampaw announced his intention to relocate to Togo should John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secure victory. In an interview with Kumasi-based Angel FM on September 10, 2023, Ampaw expressed his discontent regarding Mahama’s potential return to power, citing his experiences during Mahama’s previous term as President from 2012 to 2016.
Ampaw articulated his belief that a second Mahama presidency would be detrimental, insisting that he would prefer to live in Togo for the duration of Mahama’s term. He stated emphatically, “I would not allow Mahama to rule over me for the second time; I would go to Togo. I’m telling you, mark it on the wall. I would leave the country.” He further elucidated his concerns, noting that Mahama’s previous claim that four years is insufficient to implement meaningful national transformations casts doubt on the effectiveness of another term.
Furthermore, Ampaw alleged that Mahama’s return could lead to mismanagement and financial exploitation of state resources, driven by the debts incurred from prior campaign expenditures that remain unpaid. He raised concerns that Mahama has not cleared the debts from his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, asserting that Mahama’s motivations would not focus on Ghana’s developmental needs. Ampaw concluded that Mahama’s reelection would not benefit the nation and emphasized his commitment to leaving the country should Mahama prevail in the elections.
Following the close of polls on December 7, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, subsequently announced Mahama’s electoral victory on December 9, 2024, with 6,328,397 votes, while his competitor from the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Bawumia, secured 4,657,304 votes. Additionally, Mahama’s party made significant gains in Parliament, marking a historic success for the NDC.
Maurice Ampaw, a notable legal practitioner in Ghana, has publicly expressed his disdain for the prospect of John Dramani Mahama returning to the presidency. Mahama, who previously served from 2012 to 2016, is now the NDC’s candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections. Ampaw’s statements reflect a broader sentiment among some Ghanaians who are apprehensive about Mahama’s governance and past performance, leading to fears of political and economic ramifications for the country. The political landscape in Ghana has been charged, especially as general elections approach, with various candidates vying for influence and power. Ampaw’s remarks highlight the polarizing nature of Ghanaian politics, particularly concerning the legacy of previous administrations and the current expectations from presidential candidates. This backdrop sets the stage for the upcoming elections where public opinions will significantly influence electoral outcomes.
In summary, Maurice Ampaw’s statements underscore his strong convictions against the possible reelection of John Dramani Mahama. He has vowed to leave Ghana for Togo if Mahama wins, citing past governance issues and personal reservations regarding potential future policies. As the elections draw nearer, Ampaw’s comments contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding Mahama’s political viability and the Ghanaians’ sentiments towards leadership and governance. The outcome of the elections will not only affect the political landscape but also the socio-economic state of the nation moving forward.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
