Mahama responds to calls for him to lead party in 2020

Former President John Mahama has asked the rank and file of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pay more attention to ongoing reorganization activities of the party.

His comments come on the back of calls by the regional Chairmen of the party for him to lead the party into the 2020 elections.

According to the former president, it is premature to state his intent on running for the presidency in 2020.

A statement issued Friday and signed by Special Aide, Joyce Bawa said Mahama clearly stated his intentions during the meeting with Regional Chairpersons of the party on Thursday.

"HE Mahama, during the meeting also stressed the need for the leadership of the Party across the structures- Branch, Constituency, Regional and National- to work towards educating supporters on the ongoing Branch reorganization activities and use the opportunity to build up the support base of the Party in the communities," it said.

"The former president further repeated his earlier call on all members of the NDC to focus on the ongoing restructuring and reorganization exercise while pledging his commitment and support for the process and the Party."

Below is the full statement:

STATEMENT ON MEETING WITH THE REGIONAL CHAIRPERSONS CAUCUS OF THE NDC

The Office of HE John Dramani Mahama wishes to formally thank the Regional Chairpersons Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their fraternal visit on Thursday November 09, 2017, and also appreciate the opportunity to discuss a number of issues.

Given that the former president had always wanted to thank Ghanaians for their support and cooperation during his tenure as both Vice President and President of the Republic of Ghana, and as reiterated during the meeting he will discuss the timing of the requested Thank You Tour with the leadership of the Party.

On the issue of considering the request of party colleagues and supporters to lead the NDC to the 2020 Elections, HE John Mahama’s position, as stated in Cape Coast, remains that it will be premature to announce his decision whether or not to contest, in view of the ongoing reorganization efforts of the Party.

HE Mahama, during the meeting also stressed the need for the leadership of the Party across the structures-Branch, Constituency, Regional and National-to work towards educating supporters on the ongoing Branch reorganization activities and use the opportunity to build up the support base of the Party in the communities.

The former president further repeated his earlier call on all members of the NDC to focus on the ongoing restructuring and reorganization exercise while pledging his commitment and support for the process and the Party.

He also advised leadership of the party to continue to work towards establishing a level playing field during the upcoming internal party elections