Gov’t hasn’t paid off celebrities who’ve endorsed Mahama – Minister

The Mahama-led government has dismissed claims that it is rewarding celebrities who have publicly endorsed the candidature of President John Dramani Mahama ahead of the crucial December 7 general elections.

According to government, over the years it has never been the practice of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pay off popular persons who openly campaign for the party’s Presidential candidate in any election.

A lot of celebrities mostly actors, actresses and musicians have declared their support for President Mahama for the upcoming polls which promises to be keenly contested btween the two leading political parties, the governing NDC and the largest opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Some Stars who have endorsed Mr Mahama ahead of the elections are soon after seen driving brand new vehicles. Celebrities reportedly driving such vehicles include the likes of Afia Schwarzenegger who drives a new Toyota Fortuner, John Dumelo drives a new Toyota Land cruiser (V8) and Henry Papa Nii Partington is driving a Viat car, among several other stars.

But speaking on Joy FM Tuesday, the Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah stated that the said celebrities are well established people who are canvassing support for President Mahama out of their own free will.

“President Mahama and the NDC are not paying off stars who have endorsed the President. The fact that you’re using a vehicle does not mean you are the owner. I think that having spoken about those who have endorsed, we need to call for much more tolerance from opponents of the NDC in this elections. You recall the sort of attacks and vituperation we witnessed against John Dumelo…it was completely uncalled for. I believe going forward NPP has to exhibit much tolerance, we know it is not in their DNA but we’ll encourage them to cultivate it and be much more tolerant people who are endorsing. They are doing it out of their own free will, persons such as Rex Omar, John Dumelo are established people and I believe that at the end of the day, the silent majority will even matter much more going into the December 7 elections than you see on platforms.”