Senior member of National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Minister of Interior (2013-2014), Kwesi Ahwoi, aged 77, has drawn criticism from within the NDC, particularly the pro-Mahama faction, for his remarks implying that the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ fate could potentially repeat itself with John Dramani Mahama if the NDC wins the presidential election in December 2024.
What was intended to be a happy event at the Ahwois’ office on Church Street, Labone, to celebrate Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman’s renomination as John Mahama’s running mate left many guests aghast, with some reportedly leaving the scene prematurely?
In proposing a toast to Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, 72, Kwesi Ahwoi stated confidently that she would be the first woman Vice President of Ghana. A harmless message, it seemed.
However, he proceeded to show how he went further to urge her to hold herself in readiness to be president since “anything can happen,” as it indeed happened when John Mahama took over with the passing of Professor Evan Atta-Mills, which allowed Vice President John Mahama to be sworn in to finish the unexpired term in 2012.
“John Mahama was not ready to be president at the time but nature schemed things in such a way that President Mills had to give way to John Mahama. Anything can happen, so Naana, be ever prepared; as your motto says, anything can happen and you can become the President of the Republic of Ghana,” Kwesi Ahwoi said, in a video that has since gone viral.
During Mr Ahwoi’s comments, a female voice could be heard in the background saying, “No, no, don’t pray for death!” in reaction to what was being said.
Ahwoi’s recent remarks have stirred speculation on social media regarding the health of former President John Mahama, who is set to contest the presidency for the fourth time in December.
Former President John Atta Mills, who battled throat cancer, passed away on 24 July 2012, at the age of 68, after serving as president since 2009. His vice president assumed office and successfully contested the December 2012 general elections.
Historical records show that the influential Ahwoi brothers (Ato, Kwamena, and Kwesi) played a pivotal role in persuading President Jerry John Rawlings to select Prof Mills as his running mate in 1996. Ato Ahwoi’s office on Church Street, Labone, was regarded as a center of influence during the Mills administration.
Naana Poku-Agyemang, whose candidacy was backed by the Ahwois, is seen as a continuation and expansion of that influential legacy.
If Mr. John Mahama wins in 2024, he can only serve a single four-year term, setting the stage for a potentially intense battle for his successor within the NDC.
Interestingly, the Pro-Jane faction, led by the influential Ahwoi brothers, promoted Naana Poku-Agyemang’s candidacy, citing her age and perceived lack of ambition as factors making her the safest choice for the NDC’s running mate in 2024.
When you could have easily say when Maham
When you could have easily say when Mahama ends his last term in office.
Senseless advice.Some of these people always giving ammunition to enemies to shoot the NDC as a Party.This so called advice needless.