In a scathing critique, the National Democratic Congress' Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has labelled President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a vindictive and autocratic leader who suppresses the expression of free speech.
John Mahama made these remarks during his address to Chiefs and residents in the Ahafo region as part of his Building Ghana Tour.
Former President Mahama expressed concern over the reluctance of teachers and headmasters to voice concerns about various issues in their schools due to fear of victimization or dismissal under the current administration.
Reflecting on the dynamics between falsehoods and the truth, Mahama emphasized the enduring nature of truth in any democratic society, stating, “They say when there's a race between lies and the truth, the lies take an early lead. But eventually, at the finish line, the truth will be vindicated, and the truth will win in any democracy.”
Mahama lamented the perceived erosion of free speech rights under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia.
He contrasted his presidency, highlighting a policy that encouraged open dialogue and allowed headmasters and teachers to voice concerns freely.
“At the time I was president, we allowed people to speak freely, and so if things were not going well in schools, the headmasters and the teachers could complain and talk. Unfortunately, that changed when the Nana Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government came in,” Mahama asserted, characterizing the government as “autocratic” and “vindictive.”
He claimed that the administration created a culture of fear among public servants, leading to the suppression of dissenting voices.