Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has defended his campaign slogan, "Ghana needs a reset," amid criticism from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

During the NDC’s Manifesto launch, Mr. Mahama argued that his call for a reset is more than just an economic overhaul; it signifies a broader transformation of Ghana’s attitudes and governance structures.

Describing the nation as "bleeding" and its "soul crying for change," Mr. Mahama appealed to voters for support in his vision of comprehensive reform.

In response to Mr. Mahama’s call, Dr. Bawumia, in a media engagement on Sunday, 25 August 2024, asserted: “I represent the future, Ghana needs an upgrade, not a reset. I have also outlined my 14 key commitments to the Ghanaian people.

“These include sustaining and expanding Ghana’s rebounding economy, creating new jobs, implementing wide-ranging tax reforms, and building Ghana into a world-class digital economy.”

Dr. Bawumia's commitments further include reducing the cost of living, expanding public infrastructure, improving healthcare, implementing Affirmative Action for girls and women, ensuring good governance, caring for the elderly, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing border security.

However, during the NDC’s National House-to-House campaign launch on Monday, 26 August 2024, Mr. Mahama challenged Bawumia’s upgrade proposition.

“How do you upgrade something that is broken? The engine is spoilt, so how do you upgrade it? You need to reset the engine properly and put it in the shape where it can be upgraded,” Mr. Mahama contended.

He emphasised that his call for a reset involves more than just economic changes, insisting that it also includes reforming governance, attitudes, and leadership approaches across the country.