Former President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he will hold discussions with the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), over when to embark on his nationwide ‘Thank You’ tour.
The announcement by the former President comes barely a day after ten regional chairmen of the party endorsed his candidature, and urged him to embark on a ‘Thank You Tour.’
According to a statement signed by the Special Aide to the former President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, the former President has “always wanted to thank Ghanaians for their support and cooperation during his tenure as both Vice President and President of the Republic of Ghana” and would settle on a schedule after a meeting with the party.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”GM0RhLmjbnhioXfG44qHlwMtKueOpJcq”]In a statement issued on Thursday, following a meeting with John Mahama, the regional chairmen noted that the former president’s presence in all the regions would help in the party’s reconciliatory and healing process.
Following the NDC’s defeat in the December 2016, there appear to be pockets of disgruntled members divided over who was responsible for the party’s defeat.
The National leadership of the party tasked a special Committee led by Prof. Kwesi Botchwey to tour the country to listen to concerns of party members.
However, since the Committee completed its work, various supposed leaked contents of their final report have added to the animosity within the party, despite the attempts by several senior officials to distance themselves from the document.
‘Premature to announce Presidential intentions’
The chairmen, in their statement, appeared to back the former president to lead the party into the 2020 elections.
They urged the former President to consider running for the 2020 polls, a call which has angered many in the party.
A member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, Kofi Kukubor, has charged the party’s Council of elders to take “swift action” against the chairmen for their call.
But in his statement today [Friday], John Mahama reiterated that it would be unwise for him to declare his intention to contest, whilst the party is still reorganizing after its defeat in the 2016 polls
“On the issue of considering the request of party colleagues and supporters to lead the NDC to the 2020 Elections, HE John Mahama’s position, as stated in Cape Coast, remains that it will be premature to announce his decision whether or not to contest, in view of the ongoing reorganization efforts of the Party,” the statement said.
“The former president further repeated his earlier call on all members of the NDC to focus on the ongoing restructuring and reorganization exercise, whilst pledging his commitment and support for the process and the party. He also advised the leadership of the party to continue to work towards establishing a level playing field during the upcoming internal party elections.”
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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana