The spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama, John Jinapor has debunked assertions from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that suggest the President used the one week mourning of the late President Mills to launch his campaign.

Desperate for power, the NPP misinterpreted and mis-informed the good people of Ghana that the President used the solemn occasion to do politics. President Mahama, during the celebration of the one week of the late President Mills’ death, tasked young people in the country to support him because he is the first post independence-born Ghanaian to ascend to the presidency. President Mahama averred that though he is fairly young, God in His infinite wisdom had chosen him for the onerous task of leading the nation and called on the youth to rally behind him to demonstrate to the older generation they are capable and responsible.

This statement from the President attracted unwarranted criticisms from the opposition NPP who claimed President Mahama defiled the day to launch his own political campaign. Speaking on Asempa Fm’s Ekosii-Sen on Friday, however, John Jinapor noted that what President Mahama did was to show some level of leadership and encourage the young ones to believe in themselves.

According to him, the message was well received by many Ghanaians and expressed surprise at the NPP's position.

“On that day, the President didn’t sound political at all. What he said was that Ghanaians should rally behind his leadership.

He never canvassed for votes as claimed by the NPP. There is nothing wrong at all with his statement because he made a clarion call to all Ghanaians to unite. He only gave a message of unity, peace and togetherness,” Jinapor stated.