Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has acknowledged increasing political manoeuvring within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over who could eventually succeed President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Kwakye Ofosu said concerns raised by Callistus Mahama about early succession politics distracting the government were valid and deserved attention.
“We are, we have all seen it, and his question is timely. What he said is absolutely true. He’s spot on, and I’m on all fours with him,” the Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP stated.
Kwakye Ofosu argued that the NDC’s future electoral success would depend largely on the government’s performance rather than on individuals seeking to lead the party.
“You see, the thing that will convince Ghanaians to give us another mandate is the performance that we put up. It doesn’t matter who you bring to contest,” he stressed.
According to him, Ghanaian voters have become increasingly discerning and now focus more on governance outcomes than political personalities.
“The Ghanaian people assess the performance of governments and decide whether or not to renew the mandate,” he said.
“So you are better off putting up your very best performance, so that in the end, whoever emerges out of your internal process to lead the party has a good story to tell.”
He further warned that even the strongest candidate would struggle electorally if the government failed to deliver results.
“You can bring an angel, but if the story behind that angel is sordid, he’s not going to get a pass, and people will not vote for him or her,” he added.
Kwakye Ofosu said the comments by Dr Callistus Mahama should serve as a caution to individuals already positioning themselves for future leadership contests within the party.
“Dr Callistus’ admonition is timely. Then I’m sure that those who have ears would have heard,” he noted.
When asked whether President Mahama could act against government officials believed to be quietly campaigning, Kwakye Ofosu said many of those involved had not formally declared any presidential ambition, making direct action difficult at this stage.
“Some of them may not be office holders, so if you ask them, what would they be stepping aside from to begin with?” he said.
He described the current activities as largely exploratory, noting that no official declarations had yet been made.
“At this stage, they are engaged in exploratory activity, but they have not said anywhere that they are going to contest elections,” he explained.
However, he indicated that a time could come when such political activities would become incompatible with holding government office.
“A time will come when those activities will not be tenable in relation to their positions in government, and then it should be obvious that they have to step aside,” he stated.
Kwakye Ofosu also referenced former President John Agyekum Kufuor, recalling how he once asked ministers with presidential ambitions to resign from his administration, suggesting a similar situation could eventually arise under President Mahama.
