Lawyer Beatrice Annan, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, has reignited discussions on the Akufo-Addo administration’s alleged mistreatment of former President John Dramani Mahama.
In a tweet, Annan accused the government of denying Mahama official accommodation and benefits due to him as a former head of state, describing the incident as an attempt to ridicule him. “Today, Godfred Dame says that incident is regrettable. Please keep the same regrettable energy,” she wrote, referencing the Attorney General’s acknowledgment of the matter.
Several social media users echoed her sentiments. One commenter, Edem, recalled Mahama revealing in an interview that he pays for his own utilities and office rent, calling for consistency in how future administrations treat former presidents. Others criticized the broader pattern of partisan mistreatment of ex-presidents, urging Mahama to avoid the conciliatory “father for all” approach if he regains power.
This controversy stems from allegations by Mahama himself, who stated in interviews that the government failed to provide him with official accommodation, office facilities, or cover basic expenses like utilities and security arrangements. Instead, he claimed, he has had to personally finance these necessities, despite provisions under Ghana’s Presidential Emoluments Committee that entitle former presidents to such benefits.
The government and its representatives, however, have repeatedly denied the accusations. Richard Ahiagbah, the NPP’s Director of Communications, previously dismissed Mahama’s claims as false, asserting that documents exist to show that he had been receiving all entitlements due to him.
The debate over Mahama’s treatment underscores long-standing issues in Ghana’s political landscape, where outgoing leaders often face challenges in accessing their legally mandated entitlements. Critics argue that such practices undermine the dignity of the presidency and set a dangerous precedent for future administration’s. For now we wait to see if Mahama’s administration will pay Akufo-Addo back in his own coin.