Edward Mahama to critics: I’m not sleeping on the job

Flag bearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama has indicated that he is focused on fixing issues of ordinary Ghanaians and will not be swayed into politics of insults.

“This country, our politics, is all about insults, ethnic people, and about things that will not move this country forward. Some people have gotten into that habit and I will not follow anybody to that road,” he said in an interview with Emefa Apawu on Class FM’s 505 news programme.

He explained that he had a good message and good programmes for the people of Ghana and will concentrate on getting it across to the electorate.

“I am interested in talking about a new beginning, a new deal, and a new force. If we were not working, we would not be attending to our manifesto which would be finalised soon. I am eager to get the manifesto to parliamentary aspirants so they know the party’s stance and campaign on issues,” he said on Wednesday August 31 in response to accusations that he was sleeping on the job, and, therefore, should resign for someone more vibrant to take over the reins of the PNC.

Class News sources within a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting organised on Wednesday August 31 at the party’s headquarters said some executives were unhappy with the flag bearer for tweeting earlier that he was ready to announce his running mate ahead of the December polls.

The PNC Chairman for Greater Accra, Bala Maekanka, told Class News’ Paa Kwesi Parker-Wilson in an exclusive interview that Dr Mahama cared more about his personal business than the party’s interest.

According to Mr Maekanka, Dr Mahama was not ready to become president of Ghana. He said the flag bearer was “sleeping” and, therefore, wanted him to resign.

However, Dr Mahama replied with a reference from the Bible in Luke 4:24 which states: ‘But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown,’ suggesting that he felt his own party members did not appreciate his contribution to the party and his drive towards the objective of winning the December 2016 elections.

He further pointed out that he was in Somanya recently “meeting smaller groups”, adding that his activities are published on the party’s website; hence “Dr Mahama is working.”

He said he viewed politics as an opportunity to serve people and indicated he would return to practice medicine after his political career since politics was not a full-time job.