Mahama’s Rhetoric Poses a Danger to Ghana’s Democracy – Information Minister
Fatimatu Abubakar Calls for Respect for Democratic Institutions Ahead of 2024 Elections
- Mahama's rhetoric is seen as undermining public confidence in national institutions
- Fatimatu Abubakar emphasizes that legal outcomes should be based on evidence and merit, not political bias
- All political leaders, including Mahama, are urged to prioritize national interests
Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar has strongly condemned former President John Dramani Mahama, alleging that his provocative statements threaten the very foundation of Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking in an interview on Accra Radio, she expressed concern over Mahama’s attempts to erode public trust in key national institutions as the country approaches the 2024 elections.
“Former President Mahama is not above the law, and it’s disheartening to see a former leader criticizing independent state bodies,” she stated. “His remarks suggest an alarming view of democracy, implying that legal outcomes should favor him or his party. This is not how the law operates; cases should be judged on their merits.”
Abubakar cited Mahama’s repeated doubts about the credibility of the Electoral Commission (EC) and accusations of government-driven election misconduct as baseless and harmful to Ghana’s democratic stability.
She drew a comparison between the election petitions of 2012 and 2020, questioning, “Who presented the most evidence to the court?” and highlighted Akufo-Addo’s acceptance of the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2012 as a model for maintaining democratic integrity.
The Minister criticized Mahama’s pattern of “dangerous” statements that seek to undermine the integrity of democratic institutions. “We should be supporting the Electoral Commission and the judiciary for a fair election. Undermining their credibility without evidence is not just reckless; it endangers our democratic health.”
Abubakar urged all political factions, including Mahama’s NDC, to prioritize national interests over partisan politics. She emphasized the importance of responsible political discourse, stating, “While debate is essential in democracy, crossing the line into undermining institutions turns a political issue into a national crisis. Leaders must exemplify peace and unity.”
