Mahama Banking Hopes On Duffuor To Revive Economy

Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, appears to be banking his hopes on former Finance Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, to revive the economy, in the event he wins the 2024 general elections.

Mr. Mahama, who is currently on the second phase of his “Building Ghana Together” tour in the Western North Region, has for some time now been trumpeting his 24-hour economy programme as his main solution to bring the country’s economy back to life.

But few days after his visit to the former minister and subsequent return visit by Dr. Duffuor, onetime presidential hopeful, Mr. Mahama declared that, in January 2024, he will outline a comprehensive economic policy initiative to spell out what he is about.

“It is not only the 24-hour economy we are propagating. Going into January, we will put out a lot on our economic policies that will revamp Ghana’s economy,” Mr. Mahama said.

Interestingly, some people have linked the two visits, which got many party supporters and sympathizers excited, as what is doing the magic, raising and deepening Mr. Mahama’s confidence.

Speaking during the tour, Mr. Mahama said the visit by him and that of the former minister are a way of uniting the party for the task ahead, though he refrained from mentioning the former minister, as his main pillar when it comes to the economy.

Mr. Mahama entreated party members to unite, just as he has done with the senior party member and his team for victory in 2024.

“I have visited Dr. Duffuor and he has subsequently visited me too with the team. If those of us at the top have come together, what are you also doing? You must emulate our ideals and forge for a unified victory in 2024,” John Mahama said.

On December 4, the former president, in the company of the party’s general secretary, Fifi Kwetey, former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, former campaign manager Joshua Alabi and one-time general secretary, Hudu Yahaya, paid a visit to the former minister.

The visit was the first public encounter between the two after the party’s presidential primaries which the two were contenders until the eve of that election in May.

In a post with photographic, Mr. Mahama said, “It was great meeting with Dr. Kwabena Duffuor as we discussed the future of our party and the upcoming 2024 elections. It is important for us to come together and work towards unity and the growth of our party.”

Let’s focus on our common goals and aspirations to build the Ghana we want together. Together4Change and for #Victory2024,” he added.

On December 11, before his trip to the Western North Region, Dr.Duffour, in the company of his son, Kwabena Duffuor Jnr., and other campaign team embers, returned the gesture at Mr. Mahama Cantonments residence at Osu, Accra.

According to the former minister, “I paid a visit to our flagbearer and Former President John Dramani Mahama at his residence as a customary return gesture to his earlier visit to me and my family at my residence. We discussed a range of issues pertinent to our party and the Ghanaian people and the need to work hard towards victory 2024 together.

“I remain committed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the flagbearer and look forward to working with Former President John Dramani Mahama towards our party’s success and long-term development. Together4Change and for #Victory2024.”

This is coming months after Dr. Duffuor, who came across as the main challenger of Mr. Mahama in the party’s presidential primaries, pulled out of the contest.

Dr. Duffuor, during the campaign, had given the former President, a good run for his money, but a day to the election, he announced his withdrawal and explained that his decision was based on his grievances with the processes surrounding the preparation for the elections, especially the voters register.

According to him, the exercise was marred by a lot of irregularities, a situation which was not resolved by the leadership of the party.

Based on this, he said he was withdrawing from the race, but will continue to keep in touch with the grassroots.

“As at this time, the party has begun distributing the ballot papers to the various regions and constituencies without our involvement.

“I wish to reiterate my commitment to the party and grassroots, however my concerns that the party is not ready to conduct free and fair elections is evident for all of us to see,” Dr. Duffuor said.

“Taking part in such an event will be akin to knowingly drinking from a poisoned calabash,” he pointed out.

Source: Anchorghana.com