Former President John Mahama left his audience aghast yesterday, after promising them a number of things when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumes power in 2024. The former President, however, at the same time made a sudden U-turn to criticise politicians who make all kinds of promises to the electorate.
Whilst addressing party delegates at Akropong in the Eastern Region, Mr Mahama assured them that the next NDC government would give loans to them (NDC branch executives) to invest in their business.
He also promised that the next NDC government would employ party faithful with the necessary skills to enable them fend for their families.
He even went ahead to state that if the supporters do not have the requisite skills to be employed, the opportunity would be given to their children.
According to him, since they could not be paid salaries, the NDC government would ensure they are empowered by giving loans to them to work.
These promises were welcomed with huge cheers from the gathering, and at a point a man was seen carrying a cement block, which he placed under the feet of Mr Mahama.
“I have said it before that this is the period of empowerment for our grassroots executives. I won’t promise you that I can pay you… Every work that the government would bring, we will employ some of our executives. If you cannot do it, we will replace with your children. And those of you who can’t be employed but can be entrepreneurs, we will assist you to set up your own business so you can look after yourselves.” he said.
THE IRONY
Explaining the meaning of the cement block placed under his feet, Mr. Mahama claimed it was Ghanaians’ expression of disappointment in the Akufo-Addo government.
However, he said lessons should be learnt that those who make huge promises are not necessarily experts in governance, a statement which contradicts the earlier promise he made.
He continued in the Akan language that “there is a saying in politics that tell the electorates what they want to hear. So, promise even when you know you cannot fulfill it, for what is important is the power.”
EXEMPTION
Mr. Mahama, after saying this to the delegates, then exempted his party, saying the NDC was not raised like that.
“In 2008 I did not promise. 2012 I did not make any promise. In 2016, I did not make any promise. The promise I made was to work hard to transform Ghana. That was what I said.”
Mr. Mahama made mockery of the One District One Factory, One Village One Dam promises of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opined that the NDC would not make such a promise.
