'My declaration to contest will distract party activities' - Mahama

Former President John Dramani has reiterated his position on the call on him to consider running for 2020.

The former President at a peace walk organized in Cape Coast few days ago, said his declaration to contest will distract the restructuring activities by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He has released a statement to restate the same position after the ten (10) regional chairpersons issued to admonish the Mr. Mahama to consider representing the party in 2020 and also embark on a ‘Thank You Tour’.

But the statement which was signed by Joyce Bawa Mogtari said: ‘’The former president further repeated his earlier call on all members of the NDC to focus on the ongoing restructuring and reorganization exercise while pledging his commitment and support for the process and the Party.

He also advised the leadership of the party to continue to work towards establishing a level playing field during the upcoming internal party elections.’’

Below is the full statement:

The Office of HE John Dramani Mahama wishes to formally thank the Regional Chairpersons Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their fraternal visit on Thursday, November 09, 2017, and also appreciate the opportunity to discuss a number of issues.

Given that the former president had always wanted to thank Ghanaians for their support and cooperation during his tenure as both Vice President and President of the Republic of Ghana, and as reiterated during the meeting he will discuss the timing of the requested Thank You Tour with the leadership of the Party.

On the issue of considering the request of party colleagues and supporters to lead the NDC to the 2020 Elections, HE John Mahama’s position, as stated in Cape Coast, remains that it will be premature to announce his decision whether or not to contest, in view of the ongoing reorganization efforts of the Party.

He Mahama, during the meeting also stressed the need for the leadership of the Party across the structures- Branch, Constituency, Regional and National- to work towards educating supporters on the ongoing Branch reorganization activities and use the opportunity to build up the support base of the Party in the communities.

The former president further repeated his earlier call on all members of the NDC to focus on the ongoing restructuring and reorganization exercise while pledging his commitment and support for the process and the Party.

He also advised the leadership of the party to continue to work towards establishing a level playing field during the upcoming internal party elections.