President Mahama defends his ‘Thank you tour’

President John Dramani Mahama has defended the rationale behind his regional tour to thank the people for their contribution towards the final funeral rites of the late President Mills.

“Traditionally when somebody helps you to perform a funeral of a departed one, it is only fair that you thank the fellow, and so my tours are justified,” President Mahama explained.

President Mahama, who gave the defense at the Jackson Park in Koforidua, as part of his Eastern Regional tour, said it was improper to go on air or on phone to thank people who had contributed immensely in the performance of the funeral of the late President.

Since President Mahama begun his ‘thank you tour’ last week, some political opponents have lambasted him, claiming that his tours were unnecessary and waste of resources.

President Mahama said late President Mills had embarked on numerous developmental projects in the Eastern Region and his administration would continue with those projects.

He particularly mentioned the Aburi-Nsawam road as one of the projects his administration would pursue to a logical conclusion.

President Mahama denounced the frequent practice of insulting political opponents on media networks, especially on radio, adding that “in the Ghanaian tradition, it is unacceptable for people, especially elders to be insulted in public”.

He said President Mills stood for peace and tolerance and there was the need for Ghanaians to remember him with those virtues that would enhance future traditional moralities.

Dasebre Dr. Oti Boateng, Paramount Chief of the New Juaben Traditional area, condemned political insults and warned that his traditional area would not countenance acts of political indiscipline.

He instead, called on politicians to conduct their campaigns based on issues, ideas and programmes devoid of character assassination.

Dasebre Boateng also admonished political and media practitioners against inflaming passions of the people, saying “people take actions to what others say and hear in the media and I therefore want to call on media practitioners to remain objective in the discharge of their duties”.

President Mahama had earlier made a whistle stop at Aburi and Manfe, and addressed mini durbars before leaving for Koforidua, where he was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd.