Ghana’s sustained unity an achievement – Mahama

The fact that Ghana is still united without any conflict after 60 years of independence is a positive development and an achievement for the country, former President John Dramani Mahama has said.

Mr Mahama’s assertion was in response to a question during an interview with Al Jazeera on how much progress the country has made after 60 years of independence.

“I believe that in 60 years one would expect us to have made more progress than we have. But considering the continent we come from, even maintaining Ghana as a united entity, not in conflict and posting positive development is an achievement,” he stated, adding: “Ghana is positioning itself as one of the potential emerging countries on the continent.”

Meanwhile, Mr Mahama said he finds it “surprising” when people say he, agreeing to step aside after losing the 2016 polls to then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo brought peace to the country. In his view, that should be the “norm” in a democracy and the practice of accepting electoral results was increasing in Africa.

“I find it surprising because I think it should be the norm. I don't think we should be celebrating each time a peaceful transition takes places. This is what is supposed to happen. And I think this is increasingly happening in Africa. It happened in Nigeria when President Jonathan stepped away and it happened here in Ghana,” he stated.

Ghana has witnessed the peaceful transfer of power from one political party to the other on three occasions since 1992 when it adopted the practice of multi-party democracy.