By Naa Atwei Sowah
Flagbearer of the NDC in the 2020 General election, John Dramani Mahama has hinted of his party’s willingness to engage the Electoral Commission for a dialogue to discuss reforms and way forward for future elections.
He said even though the 2020 elections were marred by some misunderstandings, violence resulting in the death of some eight persons, it will be better to strategize with the EC to halt any recurrence.
Mr. Mahama made this known at a lecture in Accra, to round off his nationwide thank you tour.
“We are willing to engage the Electoral Commission with constructive dialogue with a view to addressing the clear shortcomings of our present electoral system and fashion out one that meets the expectation of all if we are to avoid the unfortunate incidents of 2020”.
President Mahama criticised the Akufo-Addo-led government, describing it as a common national tragedy.
He said overspending, gross mismanagement and abysmal performance have characterized all sectors of the economy which in effect is having a heavy toll on Ghanaians.
Mr Mahama said corruption and cronyism have become the order of the day in the NPP government which is seriously hindering development projects.
“This is not the time for more taxes. The people are reeling under the heavy weight of existing taxes. This is the time for efficiency and the modest use of the taxes collected,” he said.
Mr. Mahama described the luxurious renting of aircraft for Presidential travels to the detriment of suffering Ghanaians, as disheartening, calling it a waste of public purse. He added that firm decisions need to be taken to turn the dwindling economic situation around.
He disagreed with the Finance Minister, that the Public Sector can no longer accommodate fresh employees.
“I disagree with the oft-repeated position that the public sector is full and has no room for more people,” he added.
What was lacking, he explained, were innovative strategies of financing the human resource gaps.
“The time has come to bite the bullet and take the bull by the horn. Many of these [public] sectors can be made self-financing to improve the capacity to employ, once they are allowed to use portions of their internally generated funds, instead of depending solely on the Consolidated Fund”, according to Former President John Mahama.
