His appeal comes days after his party, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggested in a statement that President Nana Addo should be held responsible for the incident.

Speaking during a visit to Capt.  Mahama’s wife and his family, the former President asked various political stakeholders to rather “take this as a national tragedy in a non-partisan manner, and treat it as the way it should be treated” instead of pointing accusing fingers at each other.

The former President also expressed the hope that, the culprits, in what he described as the “dastardly act” will be brought to book and fairly dealt with.

“I believe that government and the security agencies will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book. If we are able to find out who did it and probably prosecute them and apply the penalty, I believe that it will serve as a deterrent to people who engage in mob justice.”

“If this happens, then Maxwell’s death would not be in vain. But if the perpetrators get away with it, then the impunity will continue and the question I ask myself is how many more innocent people have not died through this kind of barbaric justice.? It has never been our culture to kill humans in this wicked way. I believe that everything should be done to stamp it out.”

Capt. Mahama was lynched and burnt at Diaso in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, after residents in the area mistook him for an armed robber.

While eulogizing Capt. Mahama, the former President also extended his condolence to Maxwell’s wife and children, saying “I wish to extend my condolence to Maxwell’s wife and children. Maxwell was a very fine officer and he had a very bright future ahead of him and to die like this is totally unacceptable.”

The former President indicated that, it was unfair for Capt. Mahama to have been murdered in a humiliating manner, especially when as a military man he had sacrificed “a lot to defend us [Ghanaians].”

The President was accompanied by some NDC bigwigs and former appointees including Kwesi Botchwey and Joyce Bawa Mongtari, among others.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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While his immediate family insists that the former President should call time on local politics, some leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including Mr Kofi Adams, its National Organiser, and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, have rejected the idea, insisting that Ghana’s first one-term President is the NDC’s best bet for Election 2020.

Speaking to a group of senior journalists ahead of last weekend’s swearing-in of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, former President Mahama’s younger brother and Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, said the former President’s family had been advising him not to contest the NDC primary to select a candidate for 2020, adding: “He (former President Mahama) agreed with us.”

“John has given his all in politics to the NDC and Ghana and we think it is just fair that we allow him to rest. We were very supportive and instrumental in convincing him to partner the late Prof. J.E.A. Mills, and when the time came for him to contest for President, we supported him and advised him to go for it…Now we have advised him not to make a comeback in 2020,” he said.

A case for Mahama 2020?

Historically, Ghanaian Presidents since 1992 have always served two terms. Perhaps counting on the fact that currently former President Mahama is the most marketed face in the NDC, Mr Adams said he would reject a decision by the former President not to contest the 2020 presidential election.

“If he decides not to run for elections, I will be disappointed…I will mobilise people against that,” he was quoted as saying on Asempa FM.

But the first person to have officially stood up for the Mahama 2020 candidature was the immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Vanderpuye, who insisted on Starr FM that former President Mahama would be forced to contest the 2020 elections.

However, the former President’s brother believed that the family was making a better judgement.

While appreciating the support from those urging Mr Mahama to stage a comeback, Ibrahim said “it is important for those calling for his comeback to also respect the family’s judgement”.

Mahama on his future

While his family and some members of his party are poles apart on his future, the former President gave a hint about his future to his peers during an ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, in December last year.

“Many people have asked me what my plans are; I have no plans yet. My immediate intention is to take a well-deserved rest after three years of working without a single break. I guess that going forward I’ll be more engaged on sub-regional, continental and global matters,” he explained.

Mahama & diplomacy

For those cautioning the President to forget about local politics, their argument is informed by Ghana’s voting trend since 1992 which gives two terms to every new government — NDC I (1993-2001); the New Patriotic Party (NPP) (2001-2009); and NDC II (2009-2016) and the ex-President’s performance as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

For those in this school of thought, the President’s image as a statesman may be crashed if he contests and loses the 2020 elections.

Rather, they hold the view that he should pursue international diplomacy in which he had by far excelled, given the way he handled the Ebola crisis in West Africa, the Burkina Faso political crisis after the overthrow of President Blaise Campaore, the Togolese election crisis, as well as his appointment as a member of the group of West African leaders mediating The Gambian crisis.

Apart from his role in West Africa, the United Nations also appointed former President Mahama and the Prime Minister of Norway, Ms Erna Solberg, as co-Chairs of a group of 16 eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

Support new government

Mr Mahama courted public support for President Akufo-Addo, calling on Ghanaians, irrespective of their ethnic background, political and religious affiliation, to support the new President and his administration with prayer to successfully steer the affairs of the nation.

With the NPP making quiet a number of promises to the electorate ahead of the elections, expectations are high, but Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to be measured in their expectations and give the new administration time to settle.

“The fact that Nana Akufo- Addo made promises does not mean as soon as he takes office things will change, as many are expecting… things cannot change overnight. He needs time to put things in place before whatever changes he promised will start manifesting,” he observed.

While admitting that his family would also benefit from a successful NPP administration, he observed that the expectations would not be fulfilled overnight.

“There are no miracles in governance and so I am pleading with my countrymen and women to be modest in their expectations of Nana’s government…we should allow them some time to settle down,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo of the NPP secured 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85 per cent of the valid votes cast, to beat former President Mahama, who garnered 4,713,277 votes (44.40 per cent) in the December 7 elections.

Nana Akufo-Addo was subsequently sworn into office as President last Saturday.

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Source: Graphic.com.gh

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According to the contractors, their services were employed for the construction of a number of Community Day Senior High Schools but they have not received payments which has been in arrears for the past eight months.

The leader of the group, Ibrahim Adam, told Citi News, they were being harassed by banks they borrowed money from for the projects.

“We were refused payment, GETFund payment. We did the E Block project and we’ve not been paid for the past 8 months. Our banks are calling us, our debtors are calling us and then our workers are calling demanding payment and as we speak now we’ve not received any payment for GETFund.

Ibrahim Adam added that, although he was aware GETFund was releasing funds to some contractors, they were not those who worked on the E -Block project.

In fulfillment of an election 2012 campaign promise of John Mahama, government commenced the construction of some 200 Community Day Senior High Schools, to address the issue of access to quality education in the country.

About 45 of the schools have been completed and commissioned by the President.

Meanwhile, checks by Citi News on Friday evening revealed that, government has struck an agreement with the contractors to pay them the arrears.

Adam Ibrahim told Citi FM’s Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News that although the amount has not been paid, they have made an arrangement for payment with government.

“The issue has been resolved so we are following the due procedure. We are okay with it now and they [government] are working on it” he said.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Ahead of his exit, the Presidential Emoluments Committee on the conditions of Article 71 office holders has made some recommendations on the package he should be given for his retirement.

The recommendations, which have already been approved by Parliament, includes the payment of all utility bills at the residence of the outgoing President.

Others details are captures on the infographic below.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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John Mahama has been heavily criticized by a section of the public over his recent appointments and approval of salary increments for some group of Ghanaian workers few weeks to leaving office.

But according to him, all the decision were made in the larger interest of the country.

[contextly_sidebar id=”VZV7JL5JraC6saDkQqtTsXxQoG09Sny4″]Speaking to representatives of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference who called on him at the Flagstaff House on Wednesday, President Mahama insisted that, even though he had lost the recently held national elections to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, he remained the President and was responsible for steering the affairs of the country until he officially hands over power on January 7, 2017.

“We are looking forward to the inauguration. The transition has gone smoothly so far and we have engaged each in utmost good faith. Our democracy is evolving and so there are some constitutional issues that definitely has come up as to whether a President is still a president even after he has lost an election until the midnight of the inauguration. But I believe convention or legality might answer those questions.”

“So for whatever we agree to do, we set the pace for the future and so we’ll continue to work together for the greater interest of Ghana,” Mahama said.

President John Dramani Mahama has also given the assurance that he will hand over a peaceful and stable Ghana to his successor; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, come January 7, 2017.

“I inherited a peaceful and stable country from my predecessor, the late President John Evans Atta Mills and will also hand over a peaceful and stable government to my successor, the President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.”

‘Mahama swears-in Commissioners for NCCE, CHRAJ’

Earlier this month, President Mahama swear into office Mr Joseph Whittal as the new Commissioner for the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

The Commission had been without a substantive Commission for almost a year, following the removal of the previous commissioner, Laurette Lamptey over allegations of corruption.

He also swore into office a new director for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).   The new director, Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah had been the deputy Commissioner at the NCCE for almost two years.

He also appointed a new Auditor General, and increased allowances for service personnel by sixty percent.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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A letter sighted by citifmonline.com, signed by the Chief of Staff,  Julius Debrah, said the appointment took effect from 23^rd December, 2016.

The letter said Mr Domelovo had to confirm his acceptance of the appointment by Wednesday, 28^th December, 2016.

“His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama, acting in consultation with the Council of State, accordance with Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution, has appointed you as Auditor-General with effect from 23^rd December, 2016.”

“Until the approval of the Report of the Prof. Boandoh Committee on Emoluments, the salary and allowances payable to the facilities and privileges available to you shall be indicated in the Prof. Ewurama Addy Committee Report”

“The provisions of the Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution relating to the removal of from Office of a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature Shall apply to you.”

Mr Domelovo’s appointment comes after President Mahama’s appointment of a new Commissioner for the Commission of Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) as well as the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE).

The President, who will be leaving office in about two weeks has come under heavy criticisms for his appointments which many say are deliberate attempts to sabotage the incoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by Nana Akufo-Addo.

Anti-corruption crusader, Martin Amidu haS described the appointments as a “midnight appointments” that goes to confirm his belief that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is a looter government that do not deserve to remain in office.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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This comes barely two weeks ahead of President Mahama officially handing over of power to the newly-elected New Patriotic Party government.

The Commission has been without a substantive Commission for almost a year, following the removal of the previous commissioner, Laurette Lamptey over allegations of corruption.

Mr. Whittal was until his appointment, the Deputy Commissioner at CHRAJ.

He had occupied the position since 2012.

Citi News sources say Mr Whittal was officially sworn-in at the Flagstaff House on Tuesday to serve in his new capacity.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has also sworn into office a new director for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

The new director, Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah had been the deputy Commissioner at the NCCE for almost two years.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citimonline.com/Ghana
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The Police earlier said they had received reports nationwide that some NPP supporters “are attacking supporters of NDC in various parts of the country.”

The President on Sunday subsequently directed the security agencies to deploy and arrest any person caught in such acts.

Though he has also commended the NPP’s intervention on the issue, the President further impressed on the party’s leadership to be firmer in its decision.

He believes the development is likely to affect the country’s security if unchecked.

“Across the nation, we have witnessed incidents of innocent people being attacked, vandalization of state property and unruly behavior arising out of these celebrations. Supporters of opposing parties have been assaulted and threatened and some government properties have been attacked and destroyed. I must also say add that some of the NPP supporters have also been victims of this excessive jubilation. I had to subsequently direct security agencies to deploy across the country and ensure safety and security of all our citizens.

“I stated in my congratulatory call to President elect Nana Addo that we would have to collaborate in this transition period to ensure the security and safety of our people. I therefore urge the President elect to act firmer in calling their supporters to order and halt immediately the harassment and attacks on innocent citizens. I’m happy to note that a statement to that effect has been issued.”

Stop attacking NDC supporters – Police warn NPP

The Police had earlier cautioned supporters of the NPP to desist from such actions. According to the Police perpetrators of such acts risk arrest and prosecution if they go ahead with such acts of vandalism.

The Police in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Superintendent Cephas Arthur said “it has come to the attention of the Police that some people are attacking supporters of NDC in various parts of the country.”

“The Police Administration wishes to caution those who are engaging in acts of vandalism and rowdyism to desist, as Police officers who have been deployed to maintain law and order will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who break the laws of the land,” the statement added.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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Although he served only a four-year term, the President said he is certain he had done his bit in contributing to the political, social and economic development of the county.

In a Facebook post on Saturday [December 10], the President expressed appreciation to God and Ghanaians for the opportunity to lead the country.

John Mahama of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost in his bid to lead the country for a second four-year term to the leader of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo in a historic general election held on Wednesday, December 7.

Nana Akufo-Addo garnered 5,716,026 of total votes cast representing 53.85 per cent while John Dramani Mahama polled 4,731,277 votes representing 44.40 per cent.

Ahead of the official declaration of results by the Electoral Commission, President John Mahama called on Nana Akufo-Addo to conceded defeat and congratulate him on his victory.

In a subsequent press address, he said, assured Ghanaians and ensuring a smooth transition of government.

“I will like to assure the people of Ghana of my commitment to the sustenance of our country’s democracy and we will work to ensure a smooth transition of our incoming administration. I remain committed to the unity and stability of our great nation.”

“It has been without a doubt, one of the most tremendous privileges of my life to serve this great nation as President and to work on behalf of all Ghanaians. I will leave it to history to be the judge of my time and contributions while in that highest office,” president Mahama said.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/cititfmonline.com/Ghana
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The President is currently in the Central Region as part of his regional campaign tour, to canvass votes ahead of the elections.

The cake, decorated in NDC party colours; red, white, black and red with the inscription, “Happy Birthday Mr. President” was presented to the President by some executives of the party including the Central Regional Chairman of the party, Allotey Jacobs.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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The post NDC surprises Mahama with birthday cake [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.