I lost 2016 polls because Akufo-Addo promised heaven – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has said his honesty with Ghanaians about the state of Ghana’s economy caused his defeat, while his main contender, now President Akufo-Addo walked his way to the Flagstaff House through lofty promises.

He said his case in the December elections, worst in the history of Ghana’s politics can best be described as “incumbency disadvantage” adding that “I knew what the economy could give the people and I told the people the truth that we need more hard work to be able to get out of where we are; my opponent promised heaven and you have the constraints of not being able to promise all the rosy things he was doing”.

Nonetheless he said: “it is part of the learning process for all of us” insisting that “…The people made a choice and voted me out.”

Mr Mahama was speaking at the three-day World Economic Forum (WEF) 2017 being held in Durban, South Africa.

He was of the view that “if he [President Nana Akufo-Addo] is able to deliver on his promises, good; if he is not able too, the people would have learnt that not all that glitters is gold”.

Mr. Mahama also Africans to show interest in how their government manages their resources.

“Every month when I work, part of my salary is taken as tax, so as a citizen I want to be sure that whoever has been elected into government is going to be accountable on how he uses that money to improve my life”.

Mr. Mahama is the first Ghanaian sitting president to have an lost election.