Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a key spokesperson for former President John Dramani Mahama, has called on independent presidential candidate Alan Kyerematen to join the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and back Mahama’s presidential bid, describing the NDC as the “winning side” ahead of the 2024 general elections.
In a statement posted on social media, Bawah Mogtari encouraged Kyerematen to set aside his grievances and work together with Mahama to defeat their political adversaries.
She emphasized that joining forces with Mahama would not only help silence critics but also bolster Kyerematen’s position in the race. “Alan Cash, take heart, I can feel your pain and I understand your frustration, but please join the winning side, John Mahama and the NDC, so that together we can put all your naysayers to shame! Good morning Sir! Have a great day!” Bawah Mogtari wrote.
Her comments were made in the wake of Kyerematen’s recent criticism of former President John Agyekum Kufuor for endorsing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, for the upcoming elections.
Kyerematen, who has distanced himself from the NPP and is running as an independent candidate, accused Kufuor of damaging his political reputation by endorsing Bawumia, his long-time colleague in the party.
Kyerematen also claimed that Kufuor’s endorsement had led to growing disrespect from political foot soldiers, despite the former president’s long-standing influence and distinguished career in Ghanaian politics.
In an interview with Oyerepa TV on November 18, Kyerematen expressed his displeasure, stating that he could not fathom why Kufuor would involve himself in such matters, particularly when it seemed to undermine his legacy. “What he has done has created a big blot on his political career.
You see how people are speaking against him. See how others are disrespecting him. For someone with a distinguished career in politics, and everyone respects you, how do you now involve yourself in such matters and now everybody criticizes you anyhow?” Kyerematen said.
Despite these frustrations, Kyerematen maintained his respect for Kufuor, describing him as an “uncle” and urging the former president to stop endorsing political candidates. He explained that Kufuor’s actions had opened the door for criticism from people within the party, including some who had previously shown him respect.
Bawah Mogtari’s invitation to Kyerematen to join Mahama’s campaign comes at a time when the race for the presidency is heating up. The NDC remains confident in Mahama’s ability to lead the country and has portrayed the party as the solution to Ghana’s current economic and political challenges.
Bawah Mogtari framed the NDC ticket as the winning combination, urging Kyerematen to join in what she believes is a unified and strong effort to secure victory in the 2024 elections.
Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, another spokesperson for Mahama, responded to Kufuor’s endorsement of Bawumia, saying that it was Kufuor’s duty to support his party and its candidate, but this did not guarantee automatic electoral success for the NPP.
“The consummate Danquah-Busia man that he is, President Kufuor is duty-bound to defend his party and campaign for its candidate. But it doesn’t mean the electorate accepts his narrative,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He went on to criticize the current NPP government, calling it a failure and asserting that the NPP needed to be ousted in favor of the NDC’s leadership.
Kufuor, in his endorsement of Dr. Bawumia, had spoken highly of the NPP vice-presidential candidate’s economic credentials, citing his role in the revival of the Ghanaian currency during Kufuor’s presidency.
“I have observed his remarkable abilities in economic enhancement during my tenure, as he was integral to the Bank of Ghana’s team under Governor Dr. Paul Acquah, contributing to the revival of the currency,” Kufuor said.
As the political landscape grows more complex and divided, this exchange of words between Kyerematen, Kufuor, and the Mahama camp signals the intensifying nature of the 2024 election campaign.
The statements also reflect the deeper fissures within the NPP and the larger political establishment, with Kyerematen seeking to assert his independence from the party, while Mahama’s supporters attempt to rally his former allies to join their cause.
