The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has said that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cannot decide who he will hand over power to after the 2024 general elections.

John Mahama was speaking to the Central Regional House of Chiefs on Tuesday, July 30, after introducing his running mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, when he made the comments, as reported by myjoyonline.com.

He explained that the president would have no alternative but to hand over to him if he wins the 2024 general elections.

John Mahama stated that it is not within President Akufo-Addo's authority to determine his successor, adding that power would be handed over to whoever the people of Ghana elects as president.

“Please tell [President Akufo-Addo], it is not in his mouth to determine who he will hand over to.

“He should just promise that when the elections are held, whoever wins, he will hand over, but you can’t say you won’t hand over to John Mahama if the people of Ghana say John Mahama is who they want and they elect me, you will have to hand over to me," he said.

This follows recent comments by the president that he cannot hand over power to the former president.

Akufo-Addo, while addressing the chiefs and people of Wa, indicated that his successor would not be his predecessor, John Mahama, whom he had 'removed' from office.

“Before the election is held, I am going to come here and pay my proper goodbye to you and thank you for the cooperation that I received from you when I was president. God willing, when I come, I will come with the man who is going to be my successor. Wa Naa, you know that the man I removed from the seat, I cannot have him as my successor and as a traditional ruler, you understand what I am saying,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo added that he would return to the area with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, as his successor.

“Our country is known as the pacesetter for democratic governance across the entire continent of Africa. I want to assure you that this year, we are going to maintain that reputation. But I need your support and cooperation," he added.

But John Dramani Mahama has stressed his belief in the power of the people's vote and his readiness to assume leadership if elected.

JKB/AE

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