The 8 is with me, let NPP break it if they can – Mahama on position on ballot paper

Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed satisfaction with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing the 8th position on the 2024 presidential ballot paper.

According to Mr Mahama, landing the 8th spot is symbolic and marks an opportunity for the party to challenge the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 elections.

During a campaign stop in the Ablekuma North Constituency as part of his Greater Accra tour, he pointed out the irony of the NPP’s slogan to “break the 8,” saying the number 8 now rests with the NDC.

“By God’s grace, we picked number 8. So some people say they are going to break the 8. The eight is with me, let them come and break the eight and let me see,” he said.

Mr Mahama also recalled the promises made by the NPP in 2016, specifically their pledge to lower fuel prices and criticized them for failing to deliver on that promise.

“We remember how in 2016, drivers—taxi drivers, trotro drivers—formed an association called ‘Drivers for Change.’ They demonstrated, parking their cars in the middle of the roads. When asked about their problem, they said, ‘Mahama, fuel prices are too high,’ and our brothers in the NPP told them that when they came into power, they would reduce fuel prices.

“Today, fuel price is 70 cedis per gallon, compared to 14 cedis when they were making those promises. Where is the relief they promised,” Mahama asked.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey has also expressed satisfaction with the party securing the 8th position on the ballot.

He believes that the number symbolizes a pivotal moment for change after what they described as eight years of mismanagement and corruption under the ruling NPP.

Addressing the press on Friday, September 20, following the balloting, Mr Kwetey said the party’s position signifies that it is time for the NDC to take over and address the economic and governance crises that have occurred during the NPP’s tenure.

“We came here asking for God’s perfect will to be done and we accept the number eight. After eight critical years of decay, after eight years of total lack of order, corruption and darkness that has engulfed this country, I think the eight is quite significant to tell the country that this is the moment to stop the decay after the eight years,” he said.