John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has responded strongly to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's recent critique of his administration, particularly the claim that Mahama’s legacy is defined by persistent power outages, popularly known as "dumsor." The remarks by President Akufo-Addo have reignited a political debate over leadership, electricity supply, and economic policies as Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections.
On Monday, November 25, during an address, President Akufo-Addo described Mahama as a "failed president," citing his inability to secure a second term as evidence of his alleged poor governance. The President claimed that past Ghanaian leaders are remembered for their significant contributions, but Mahama's presidency is often associated with power supply challenges that disrupted businesses and households.
Akufo-Addo went further to criticize the NDC’s recently unveiled proposal for a "24-hour economy." He questioned how Mahama, who allegedly struggled to maintain a stable electricity supply during his tenure, could realistically implement such an ambitious policy. "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," the President stated, describing the policy as deceptive.
### Mahama Refutes the Claims
Touring the Western Region on Tuesday, Mahama addressed these allegations head-on. He argued that the power crisis, which plagued Ghana for years, had been resolved before he left office in 2017. He insisted that by 2016, the challenges with electricity supply had been addressed, leading to a period of stable power supply during his administration's final year.
"In 2016, 'dumsor' had been solved. Nobody's lights went off in 2016; nobody experienced load shedding in that year. That is on record," Mahama stated. He expressed disappointment in President Akufo-Addo for what he called blatant falsehoods. "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, it’s unbecoming," Mahama added.
### Citing the Bible on Truth and Lies
Drawing from the Bible to emphasize the importance of truth in leadership, Mahama quoted Proverbs 19:9, which states, "Those who bear false witness will not go unpunished, and liars will be destroyed." He argued that public servants, especially those in the highest positions of power, have a moral duty to avoid lies and falsehoods. "Liars cannot go to heaven," he emphasized, urging the President to adopt a more truthful and accurate narrative.
Mahama suggested that President Akufo-Addo’s claims were an attempt to discredit his track record and undermine the NDC’s credibility ahead of the 2024 elections. The former president insisted that the NPP government should focus on addressing the current economic and social challenges facing Ghanaians rather than distorting historical facts for political gain.
### Revisiting the Legacy of 'Dumsor'
"Dumsor," which became a household term during Mahama's presidency, refers to the frequent and prolonged power outages that affected Ghana's economy and quality of life. Businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, suffered significant losses during this period. The situation was largely attributed to the country's growing energy demand outstripping supply, compounded by financial and technical challenges within the energy sector.
However, Mahama's administration initiated several projects to tackle the crisis, including the construction of new power plants, investments in renewable energy, and renegotiations with independent power producers. By late 2016, reports indicated a noticeable improvement in power stability, with many analysts acknowledging the progress made under his leadership.
Mahama maintains that his efforts laid the foundation for the stable electricity supply that Ghanaians enjoy today. He argues that the NPP government inherited a sector that was already on the path to recovery, dismissing claims that the resolution of "dumsor" was solely the work of the current administration.
### The '24-Hour Economy' Debate
The NDC's "24-hour economy" proposal has been a key feature of their 2024 election campaign. The policy aims to extend business operations, enhance productivity, and create jobs by leveraging technology and improving infrastructure. Critics, including President Akufo-Addo, have raised concerns about the feasibility of this initiative, given the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Mahama, however, has defended the plan, describing it as a bold vision to transform Ghana's economy and improve the lives of its citizens. He believes that with strategic investments in energy, transportation, and technology, the proposal can become a reality.
### A Call for Constructive Political Dialogue
As the 2024 elections draw closer, the exchange of words between Mahama and Akufo-Addo highlights the high stakes and deep political divisions in Ghana. Observers have called for a shift from personal attacks to constructive discussions on policy issues that directly impact Ghanaians.
Mahama's rebuttal and his invocation of Biblical principles reflect his broader message of accountability, truth, and transparency in leadership. Whether this approach will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but it underscores the critical role of public trust and integrity in the upcoming elections.
The ongoing debate also serves as a reminder of the importance of historical accuracy in political discourse. As both parties continue to campaign, Ghanaians are looking for leaders who can not only inspire confidence but also deliver on their promises.
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