John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for inaugurating interchanges ahead of the December 7 elections, despite previously accusing him of using similar infrastructure projects for political gain during his administration.
Mahama pointed to a 2016 social media post by NPP member Gabby Otchere-Darko, in which he urged voters to focus on the economy rather than the construction of interchanges, as a sharp contradiction to the current government’s actions.
Otchere-Darko had argued at the time that the focus should be on addressing economic challenges, not on infrastructure projects aimed at garnering political support.
Mahama’s remarks came after the recent inauguration of several key road projects, including the Flowerpot Interchange and Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase II, by President Akufo-Addo.
These projects, along with others, were launched in the final stretch leading up to the 2024 elections.
During his campaign stop in Bawaleshie, part of the final phase of his Greater Accra tour, Mahama expressed his frustration, claiming that the NPP’s previous criticisms of his administration over infrastructure development are now coming back to haunt them.
“How correct are his words eight years ago? So, don’t let them divert your attention. This election is about change and not an interchange. This election is about unemployment and economic hardship.
“This election is about corrupt and incompetent leadership. Clearly, the NPP administration has failed to make the lives of Ghanaians better. Why we vote in elections to elect leaders is for them to improve our lives. But in eight years, the NPP has taken Ghana 10 years backwards,” he stated.