31st December Event: Mahama not banned – Rawlings

The Office of former President JJ Rawlings has denied reports that ex-president John Mahama has been banned from the 36th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution.

The event is scheduled to take place in Ho in the Volta region. The theme for this year’s event is ‘’Uniting around the principles of probity, accountability, and social justice”. The commemoration is a sober and reflective moment which seeks to remind the Ghanaian populace of the principles that underpinned the popular revolution.

A section of the media is reporting that Mahama and some National Democratic Congress personalities have been barred from attending the annual event.

“It is instructive to note that formal invitations have been issued to former President Mahama, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress as well as other leading members of the party, which was spawned by the revolution,” a statement from Rawlings’ office revealed.

Below is the full statement:

31ST DECEMBER EVENT OPEN TO ALL – LOC

The attention of the Local Organising Committee of the 36th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution has been drawn to a media publication alleging that the leader of the Revolution and former President of the Republic, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings has banned certain personalities including former President John Mahama from participating in the anniversary events.

The publication is a complete fabrication and a calculated attempt by mischievous persons to water down the huge interest shown by cadres, supporters and sympathisers of the revolution since news broke that the celebration would be held in Ho.

The Local Organising Committee wishes to state that the anniversary events are open to all members of the public and indeed every 31st December and June 4th event in the past have been open to members of the public from all walks of life.

It is instructive to note that formal invitations have been issued to former President Mahama, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress as well as other leading members of the party, which was spawned by the revolution.

Former President Rawlings is not and has never been averse to the participation of any individual at such events and the public is urged to treat the said publication with utmost contempt.

Signed:

Kobina Andoh Amoakwa

(Communications Directorate)