President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said again that he will not hand over the presidency to his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama, whom he defeated to cling the seat.
The President who was expressing gratitude to the chiefs and residents of Wa for their support during his presidency indicated that he would be returning to the place with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as his predecessor.
He told the chief of the Waala traditional area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, that it is not proper for him to relinquish power to John Dramani Mahama whom he defeated and took over from in the 2016 elections, a stance he believes the chief understands from his position as a traditional authority.
Four 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 pleaded the cooperation of the traditional authority to help him maintain Ghana’s reputation for holding onto its democracy, pledging his commitment to ensure that feat is consolidated.
“Our country is known as the pacesetter for democratic government 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.
“I want us to work together to make sure that the peace and stability of our country is maintained all through the electioneering period and after”.
The durbar was for the president to pay homage to the chiefs as part of his one-day working visit to the Upper West region where he commissioned a 15 MW solar power plant at Kaleo.
The President’s comments in Wa makes it the third time he is saying he will not hand over power to John Mahama.