John Mahama’s anticipated return to the presidential limelight has caused quite a stir among Ghanaians. The former president and National Democratic Congress (NDC) hopeful announced his intentions to run in the 2020 election on Thursday.
Mahama’s decision return has been met with mixed reactions. Many in Ghana wonder why Mahama would see it fit to run again after his loss in 2016 to Nana Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mahama was the first sitting president in Ghana’s history to lose the election as an incumbent. Historically, throughout most of the world, the odds tend to favor the incumbent in presidential elections. In fact, in the US only five presidents have lost while in power out of the 44 heads of state.
Angered by the announcement Ernest Owusu Bempah of the National Democratic Party (NDP) declared, “I will quit politics if Mahama gets 30% votes in 2020.” reported Global News Ghana
John Mahama still has strong support among many in Ghana despite having a presidency marked by heavy allegations of corruption. High unemployment rates and poor government performance were other reasons cited for his 2016 loss to Addo.
Here are some other reactions to his announcement.
PRESIDENTIAL RACE: ‘John Mahama’s market is like Coca Cola; He will win handsomely’- Kofi Adams. @JDMahama @OfficialNDCGh #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/rkWRcMoPC4
— #JoyNews (@JOYNEWSONTV) August 24, 2018
If H.E. Nana Addo was performing to task, John Mahama wouldn’t have had a reason to contest for the presidency.
— Djanie Kotey (@Abdr_Raheem) August 23, 2018
If anyone ask why John Mahama is coming back? Just tell the person
#GodisGood
@JDMahama— Dr Larry Doe (@LarryDoe11) August 23, 2018
“The legacy John Mahama left was that of poverty, corruption, hardship and worse of all a one million vote gap deficit” – Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin
— F Mandela Bawumia (@FBawumia) August 20, 2018
Former President John Mahama has, in a short video, said he has prayed about his comeback, adding that he owes God and the good people of Ghana, a duty to bring the main opposition (NDC) back into power in the 2020 elections. #Mahama #NDC #Ghana #ghoststories pic.twitter.com/hyPm2tIsvc
— Jones Awuah (@jonesawuah) August 24, 2018
Come on NDC
Is John Mahama the best offer you can make us??*stress*
— Ferdinand (@QwejoBoakye) August 23, 2018
