4 political reasons why John Mahama should go on a national apology tour

Former president John Mahama is looking to be the first gentleman of the land again come the year 2021 but the journey back to the seat of government should proceed with a nationwide apology tour.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries are scheduled to come off in March of 2019.

Mahama goes into the race with as many as seven or so others who want to lead the NDC into 2020.

Mahama is clearly the front-runner and so it will be a surprise if he has not already started prepping for the general elections against President Nana Akufo-Addo.

There is really not much at this point to say if Mahama can overcome Akufo-Addo. However, it is important the ex-president says sorry for things that did not go too well in his reign.

Here is why.

1. He has not been forgiven for Dead Goat and others

One accusation the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were fond of throwing against John Mahama when he was president was that he had become arrogant and self-conceited.

The "Dead Goat" moniker has come to stay and unfortunately for him, most remember Mahama by that.

But it will be refreshing for a Ghanaian politician to say "I am sorry. I could have done better".

2. He would seem like a relatable, fallible human being

For a man who wants to be president again, it is clear Mahama wants to be accepted into our good graces again. So why not apologise and no one would look at you like "Mr Perfect".

In fact, if he does that, the pressure will fall on Mahama's opponent in the NPP to show that the power has not gotten into his head.

3. The 2020 elections would not be about better policies

The 2020 elections would not be about who has better policies. It would be about who, between Akufo-Addo and Mahama, is a favourable personality.

Both men would have had one term each and their policies would have been known to the people.

What more can they promise than to say, "I am better than he is"?

4. It will be good for the NDC base

One of the things the NDC claimed happened for their defeat in 2016 was that their base did not vote.

To make matters worse, they are headed into a very divisive presidential primary.

John Mahama will never win 2020 if he is not seen as a man leading a united front.