‘Mahama is a threat to Ghana’s Democracy’ – Fatimatu Abubakar | Politics

Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him of endangering Ghana’s democratic fabric with what she describes as inflammatory and reckless rhetoric.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s political talk show, Ekosiisen, in Accra on Friday, Madam Abubakar raised concerns over what she claimed to be Mahama’s attempts to undermine trust in national institutions and destabilize the political environment as Ghana heads toward the 2024 general elections.

“Former President Mahama isn’t above the law, and I find it disappointing to hear such criticisms of independent state institutions coming from a former president,” she remarked. “His comments raise concerns about his stance on democracy in Ghana, as he seems to expect that any court case involving him or his party must end in his favor. Is that how the law should be viewed? Absolutely not. The law dictates that all cases before the court should be decided on merit.”

Madam Abubakar referenced recent statements by Mahama, who has frequently voiced concerns over the credibility of the Electoral Commission (EC) and accused government of creating an environment conducive to election malpractice. She argued that such claims are without evidence and pose a serious risk to Ghana’s democratic stability.

“Consider the difference between the 2012 and 2020 election petitions. Who presented the most evidence to the court?” she questioned. “In 2012, when the Supreme Court ruled against then candidate Akufo-Addo, he accepted the decision without question to preserve our democratic stability. That’s the approach that upholds democracy not trying to bend the law to fit one’s personal or political interests.”

The Information Minister pointed to what she described as a pattern of “dangerous” statements from Mahama, asserting that his claims are designed to question the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions. She stressed that democracy requires respect for the rule of law and independent institutions.

“The Electoral Commission, the courts—these are institutions that we should be rallying behind to support for a fair and transparent election,” Madam Abubakar said. “If a former President undermines their credibility without any concrete evidence, it is not just irresponsible; it’s a direct threat to our nation’s democratic health.”

She called on all political parties, including Mahama’s NDC, to exercise restraint and prioritize the national interest over political gain. “There is a time and place for political disagreement, and our democratic system allows for vibrant, competitive debate,” she said. “But when that debate crosses the line into undermining democratic institutions, it becomes not just a political issue but a national one. Political leaders must lead by example and advocate for peace and national cohesion,” she added.