In the letter posted on his Facebook page, the outspoken journalist drew the attention of the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the fact that what he needs now is only to stay relevant in the eyes of the Ghanaian populace.
He urged him not to over-indulge in making promises to the electorates when he cannot be certain of what presidency he will have should he return to power after the 2024 general elections.
“Various predictions point to a win for you in the next election. But if the gods predict a bountiful harvest, the farmer does not go to sleep. In your work in this political farming season, you will be tempted to woo voters with promises. For the next president of Ghana, however, the options are limited.
“If you think this nation is in a mess, wait until you win the next election and assume office. If that happens, you will realise that Ghana is worse than we are made to believe.
Some hardened criminals in this administration are not satisfied with what they've looted. They're signing deals that will keep siphoning monies from the state coffers for decades after they are off the scene. Not only will you inherit empty coffers; you're going to inherit huge debts, some of which have been hidden,” he wrote.
Manasseh Azure Awuni further urged John Dramani Mahama to be measured with what he tells Ghanaians.
He added that for what it is worth, the former president should know that Ghanaians will not be too demanding of his administration because of the awareness that things have deteriorated so much in the country.
“So, be measured in your promises. Any reasonable human being in this country knows that the next government won't be able to do much, and will not judge your next presidency by the standards of infrastructure and other freebies.
“Our nation is headed for a deadly crash unless the disastrous course is changed. If you want to leave a legacy, focus on policies that will put our democracy back on track. Focus on accountability. If the brazenness with which our republic has been raped goes unpunished, we will survive for long.
“Focus on how to rein in your own men and women, those who will use your presidency to loot for their political futures. Don't make the mistake of giving sensitive positions to those who are marking their time to do worse versions of what the NPP administration has done. By now, you should know that some of your people are accomplices and will work against any attempt to give Ghanaians justice should you win the next election. Keep them at bay if you win and want to assemble your team.
You and your team should brainstorm on how to put this nation back on track if you win the next election,” he wrote.
The anti-corruption journalist was one of the most critical voices of the John Mahama presidency, leading a major investigation that, for many, contributed to the defeat of the president in the 2016 general elections.
Read Manasseh’s full post below:
Dear John Dramani Mahama,
Various predictions point to a win for you in the next election. But if the gods predict a bountiful harvest, the farmer does not go to sleep. In your work in this political farming season, you will be tempted to woo voters with promises. For the next president of Ghana, however, the options are limited.
If you think this nation is in a mess, wait until you win the next election and assume office. If that happens, you will realise that Ghana is worse than we are made to believe.
Some hardened criminals in this administration are not satisfied with what they've looted. They're signing deals that will keep siphoning monies from the state coffers for decades after they are off the scene.
Not only will you inherit empty coffers; you're going to inherit huge debts, some of which have been hidden.
So, be measured in your promises. Any reasonable human being in this country knows that the next government won't be able to do much, and will not judge your next presidency by the standards of infrastructure and other freebies.
Our nation is headed for a deadly crash unless the disastrous course is changed. If you want to leave a legacy, focus on policies that will put our democracy back on track. Focus on accountability. If the brazenness with which our republic has been raped goes unpunished, we will survive for long.
Focus on how to rein in your own men and women, those who will use your presidency to loot for their political futures. Don't make the mistake of giving sensitive positions to those who are marking their time to do worse versions of what the NPP administration has done. By now, you should know that some of your people are accomplices and will work against any attempt to give Ghanaians justice should you win the next election. Keep them at bay if you win and want to assemble your team.
You and your team should brainstorm on how to put this nation back on track if you win the next election.
Take drastic legal and constitutional reforms to save this country. If you win in 2024, you won't have any elections to contest. You're properly placed to make tough decisions.
Our nation needs to be reset, and if a democratic regime cannot do it, the nation will erupt in flames one day.
After an inglorious exit in 2017, you should be concerned about how to make your mark this time around. You will have a legacy to protect. And brick and mortar won't be the benchmark against which that legacy will be measured.
It will be measured by how TOUGH you will be against those who are ruining our nation now and also against your own people, some of whom are already jostling for cabinet and other positions.
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Manasseh Azure has written an open letter to John Mahama