<\/p>\n
Former President, John Dramani Mahama, says he was one of the most vilified Presidents by worker unions in the country.<\/p>\n
According to him, organised labour unions during his tenure consistently protested on the streets over their conditions of service amidst economic woes, and thus, were always bashing his government.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was one of the most harassed Presidents by Organised Labour. I am the only government in the Fourth Republic where all organised labour came together and went on strike and shut down the country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The former president said this during a lecture at Academic City University College on December 9, 2022.<\/p>\n
He recalled that labour unions, the clergy, social groups amongst others subjected his government to public ridicule over economic hardships Ghanaians were faced with.<\/p>\n
Mr. Mahama said the series of demonstrations and strikes had a toll on him, and thus, had to develop a tough skin to face the many vilifications he was going through.<\/p>\n
The situation, he explained led to his \u2018dead goat syndrome\u2019 comment which was taken out of context by his political opponents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen more demonstrations and strikes in my first two years. I don\u2019t think it can get worse. That is what led to the dead goat syndrome. It is said that when you kill a goat and you frighten it with a knife, it doesn\u2019t fear the knife because it is dead already. I don\u2019t know why I said that, but of course our opponents took it out of context. They said I have said that I won\u2019t listen to anybody,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr. Mahama while addressing a gathering of Ghanaian population in Botswana, on a three-day official state visit said, \u201cI have a dead goat syndrome\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr. Mahama assumed office as President from July 24, 2012 to January 7, 2017.<\/p>\n
He previously served as Vice President from January 2009 to July 2012, following the death of his predecessor John Evans Atta Mills.<\/p>\n
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