Kevin Taylor: John Mahama Is the Most Scrutinized President in Ghana's History

Kevin Taylor, the outspoken Ghanaian journalist and host of "With All Due Respect," delivered a forceful defense of former President John Dramani Mahama, asserting that Mahama has been the most scrutinized leader in the history of Ghana.

Taylor's remarks highlight the stark contrast between Mahama's openness and the perceived lack of transparency in the administrations that followed, particularly under President Akufo-Addo and his Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mahama's Unparalleled Transparency

Taylor emphasized that during his tenure as President, Mahama consistently made himself available to the media and the public. Unlike many leaders who shy away from direct questioning, Mahama regularly held press conferences, engaged with journalists, and even allowed those critical of his administration, such as Paul Adom Otchere, to interview him. This openness extended beyond his presidency; even after losing the 2016 elections, Mahama has continued to engage with various segments of society, including the media, bloggers, social commentators, and youth groups.

Taylor pointed out that Mahama's willingness to face the press and answer questions on a wide range of issues is a rare quality in leadership, especially when compared to global standards. He noted that even in the United States, a country known for its democratic principles, it is uncommon to see a presidential candidate as accessible as Mahama has been.

The Contrast with Akufo-Addo and Bawumia

In stark contrast, Taylor criticized President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia for their lack of transparency and avoidance of scrutiny. According to Taylor, during Akufo-Addo's 2016 campaign, he avoided tough questions that could have clarified his major policy proposals, such as the Free SHS program and the One Village, One Dam initiative. This strategy, Taylor argues, allowed Akufo-Addo to win the election without fully informing the public about the true nature of his promises.

Taylor recounted how Ghanaians were misled about the scope and implementation of these initiatives, leading to widespread disappointment when the actual policies were rolled out. He also highlighted the secrecy surrounding the One Million Dollars per Constituency initiative, which many believed would be directly disbursed to constituencies, only to later learn that the funds were allocated to selected projects instead.

 A Call to Recognize Mahama's Record

Kevin Taylor concluded his commentary by calling on Ghanaians to recognize Mahama's track record of transparency and his willingness to engage with the public. He argued that those who still demand explanations from Mahama about his policies or plans are either not paying attention or are deliberately ignoring the facts. With less than four months until the December 2024 elections, Taylor believes that most voters have already made up their minds, and that Mahama's openness should be seen as a significant strength compared to the current administration.

While acknowledging that Mahama is not without flaws, Taylor insists that his track record is far superior to that of his successors. He urged "reasonable" Ghanaians to consider Mahama's transparency and leadership as they prepare to cast their votes, suggesting that a return to Mahama's leadership would be a step in the right direction for the country.

In Taylor's view, John Mahama stands out not only for his policies but for his unparalleled commitment to being held accountable—a quality that, he argues, should earn him the trust and support of the Ghanaian electorate once again.