The Mahama-led administration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has failed to address the needs of the populace, a situation that has culminated in hardships, which need to be addressed, flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama has indicated.

He believes “government machinery has been very bureaucratic and unresponsive to the plight of Ghanaians”.

Citing an example to buttress his claim, Dr Mahama noted that he does not understand how any well-meaning leadership “will allow Meningococcal Meningitis to kill over 100 people”.

“Deaths of such nature should not exceed five people,” he said.

Referring to the recent downpour, which caused floods in the national capital, Dr Mahama said: “Everyone knows that we will have floods, but what preparation did we make to make sure that [lives and property are protected]?”

Touching on his campaign ahead of the November polls, Dr Mahama, whose theme for the electioneering is: ‘New Beginnings, New Deal, New Force’, said he would focus on the cocoa sector when voted into power “because we have gone down in terms of production quantities because we pay lip service to coca farmers”. He assured cocoa farmers that his government would change the producer price for farmers and add “fertiliser and chemicals directly to the price so that the farmer can go out and buy”.

The five-time flabearer, who performed poorly in previous elections, noted that the November 7 polls are a fresh start with a level playing field for all aspirants, adding that his previous performance will not affect his fortunes.

Dr Mahama criticised the current government for failing to cushion Ghanaians against hardships, but rather burdening them with skyrocketing taxes and utility bills.

“If you have been voting for NDC in the past, you have been voting ‘wahala’ for yourself because water, electricity, transportation bills are going up and you still want to vote for that party to continue giving you ‘wahala’?” he questioned.