In a sharp retort to his political rival, National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana needs a “licensed driver” to navigate the country’s future, taking a swipe at New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Speaking during a community engagement as part of his Greater Accra regional campaign, Mahama criticized Bawumia and the NPP for what he termed a “failed attempt” to distract Ghanaians from the NDC’s manifesto launch by holding a media engagement the following day.
Mahama accused Bawumia of dishonesty during his media encounter, emphasizing that Ghana’s youth do not have the “luxury of trial and error.” He painted a vivid metaphor, likening the country’s leadership to a vehicle that needs an experienced driver. “Our youth do not have the luxury of time. Because our youth are the future and they are also present. They don’t have the luxury of trial and error; this one will come and try, dump us in the ditch, and the driver’s mate will come and take it and try again and crash us even further into the ditch,” Mahama remarked.
The former President then underscored his belief that his experience makes him the right choice for leading the nation. “We need experience, we need someone who has done it before. We need a licensed driver to take over the vehicle and move the vehicle to where God has destined,” he asserted.
This was a direct response to Dr. Bawumia’s comments during his media engagement, where he acknowledged that he had never been President before, unlike his opponent, suggesting that voters should give him a chance to lead.
As the political rivalry intensifies ahead of the 2024 general elections, Mahama’s comments highlight his focus on experience and proven leadership as key qualities that
Ghana needs its next President. Meanwhile, Bawumia continues to position himself as a candidate with fresh ideas and a new approach to governance.
The exchange underscores the critical choices facing Ghanaians as they prepare to cast their votes, with both candidates making their case for why they are best suited to steer the nation through its current challenges.
