Mahama takes blame for NDC's 2016 election defeat (VIDEO)

Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken sole responsibility for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2016 election defeat.

At a recent meeting with former appointees who served under his administration, he said although the cause of the party’s loss was multifaceted, he takes full blame.

He noted however that it was important for the party to learn from its mistakes and rally together quickly to work towards election 2020. 

“Of course as the general who led us into battle, I take ultimate responsibility for our losing the election and so if it will satisfy those people, blame me for the loss,” he said.

“Yes we lost; we should have done some things better but let’s use this as a learning opportunity to be able to make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes that we did in 2016…And that is why we need to rally around together as quickly as possible,” he added.

Prof Kwesi Botchway committee

The former President noted that it was important for members of the party to channel their grievances through the appropriate channel to ensure that the root cause of the party’s defeat is unravelled.

“We have set up a committee that is supposed to go round and analyse the reason for our loss. People are not taking advantage of the committee; they are going on air and apportioning blame. But I’ve said that the cause of our loss is multifaceted. And we need to do a careful analysis of it, get the report and be able to break down exactly what resulted in our loss.”

Work in opposition

Mr Mahama further encouraged the former appointees to hold their heads high even in opposition, since in his government achieved a lot for the progress of the country.

“In the monumental achievements that we chalked, I believe that you must hold your heads high because that government did a lot for this country and I believe that posterity will be the judge eventually. We did a lot to improve infrastructure of the country and often infrastructure is a thing people take for granted. It is possible to be in the opposition and criticize. We should not feel depressed or feel ashamed about our service in government because it was outstanding. We must continue to defend that legacy of that government.

He further urged the party to work efficiently in opposition to safeguard the interests of the people.

Below is former President John Mahama's interaction with former appointees under the erstwhile NDC administration

 

Former President John Dramani Mahama has taken sole responsibility for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2016 election defeat.

At a recent meeting with former appointees who served under his administration, he said although the cause of the party’s loss was multifaceted, he takes full blame.

He noted however that it was important for the party to learn from its mistakes and rally together quickly to work towards election 2020. 

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