Mustapha Hamid ‘scandalised’ by ‘ad hoc’ Mahama

Spokesperson for the Presidential Candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mustapha Hamid has lambasted President John Mahama and his government for what he describes as an ad hoc attitude towards governance.

Mustapha Hamid, who spoke on 3FM’s SUNRISE with Winston Amoah, was reacting to claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is running away from a planned debate with President Mahama. “That’s the reason why this country is in a mess,” he burst out.

“It means that this is how the president runs this country; on an ad hoc basis. How do you go around to say ‘I am challenging the flagbearer of the NPP for a debate’ and then you go to sleep and expect the debate to come off. Is that how debates are organized in the world? I am very scandalized by this attitude towards governance?”

He said if the president sincerely wants a debate with the NPP leader, he “you write officially [and] set out clearly what you want, name your referee and make proposals, sign and deliver it and look organized. This is how a country is run, not on radio”.

“It’s absolutely improper for the President to behave in such an ad hoc manner”. He wondered why President Mahama would boycott the renowned Presidential debate by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and turn around to call for a different debate.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about. You said you will boycott the IEA platform then go on radio to say you want a debate with the flagbearer I can’t reconcile that.”

The University of Cape Coast lecturer indicated that Nana Akufo-Addo would be in Tafo, Mampong, Adansi Asokwa, Atwima Kwahuma among others on a four-day tour of the Ashanti Region.

Meanwhile, information reaching 3FM indicates that the Ashanti regional capital is upbeat about the arrival of Nana Akufo-Addo. His visit comes after NDC’s campaign launch, targeting 1.5 million votes.

Vice President Paa Kwesi bekoe Amissah-Arthur indicated at the launch that NDC will sweep votes to exceed their initial 1 million target. But the NPP says it is unfazed with the NDC’s hopes.

This is because they believe the party bussed people to support the rally.