Christmas Hampers Stopped Coming After 2016 Defeat – Mahama
Former president reflects on the fleeting perks of power and shares lessons learned from his time out of office
- Mahama recounts how political defeat revealed the transient nature of power
- Expresses gratitude to family, close friends, and church members for their unwavering support
- Pledges to lead with humility and focus on uniting the nation after his 2024 victory
President-elect John Dramani Mahama has shared a candid reflection on the transient nature of political power, recounting the humbling experience of losing the 2016 elections.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church in Accra on Sunday, December 15, Mahama highlighted the stark contrast between life in and out of office.
“When I lost in 2016, the Christmas hampers stopped coming,” he said, drawing laughter from the congregation. “The many people who used to line up at my gate disappeared. It was only my family, close friends, and church members who stood by me.”
Mahama explained that this period of his life taught him valuable lessons about leadership and the superficiality of the perks tied to high office. “These trappings of power don’t get to my head. I know all the praises and blessings are tied to the word ‘president.’ Once that title is gone, so are they,” he remarked.
Grateful for his resounding victory in the December 7 elections, Mahama called for national unity and emphasized his commitment to leading with humility. He underscored that his mandate was not a personal triumph but a call to work for the collective good of Ghanaians.
As he prepares to return to power, Mahama promised to focus on addressing the country’s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose, urging Ghanaians to join him in building a brighter future.
