Former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), launched his campaign for Ghana’s 2024 general election with a massive rally in Tamale, Northern Region. The event, held under the theme “Change to Reset Ghana,” saw thousands of enthusiastic supporters gather at the Jubilee Park on Saturday.
Mahama’s central message focused on the need for change, citing an Afrobarometer democracy risk report that indicates 87% of Ghanaians believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. “If you are going in the wrong direction, you change your course,” Mahama declared, “and that is why on December 7, Ghana must change course.”
The former president positioned himself as the experienced hand needed to steer Ghana out of its current economic challenges. “The youth of this country want an experienced safe pair of hands, a hand that they have seen do it before to come back and take this country and rescue us from the mess,” he stated, taking aim at the current NPP government led by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia.
Addressing concerns about his potential term limit, Mahama emphasized that “it is not about how long you serve but how well you serve,” promising truthfulness and hard work if elected.
A key policy announcement came from Mahama’s running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who revealed plans for a Women’s Development Bank. This institution aims to provide soft loans to one million women, recognizing their crucial role in Ghana’s socio-economic fabric.
The campaign launch transformed Tamale into a sea of NDC colors – black, red, white, and green. Supporters displayed placards with slogans like “Visionary JM,” “24-Hour Economy is coming,” and “JM the experienced driver.” Various interest groups, including “Ladies for JM,” “Okada Riders for JM,” and “First-Time Voters for JM,” made their presence felt.
The event, which lasted nearly three hours, featured traditional Dagomba drums and dances, jama sessions, and motor riding displays. It attracted party members from across the five northern regions and beyond, underlining the NDC’s strong support base in these areas.
Mahama arrived at the venue around 2:40 pm, accompanied by his wife Lordina, to a rousing welcome from the crowd. The former president, dressed in brown khaki trousers and a white shirt bearing his name, had to navigate through a tightly packed crowd to reach the dais.
As Ghana moves closer to the 2024 election, Mahama’s campaign launch sets the stage for what promises to be a hotly contested race. The NDC aims to capitalize on perceived economic hardships under the current administration, while the ruling NPP will likely defend its record and vision for the country.
This campaign kickoff marks the beginning of an intense political season in Ghana, with both major parties now actively vying for the support of the Ghanaian electorate. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on how Mahama’s message of change and economic revival resonates with voters across the nation.
