Ghanaian investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has praised the leadership qualities of former President John Dramani Mahama for fostering democracy and protecting critics of his government.
At the launch of his new book in Accra titled ‘The President Ghana Never Got, ” Manasseh recounted how despite his critical articles and exposes during Mahama’s regime, the former president offered him protection and security even when some party members threatened him.
Manasseh shared, “The first book of this nature is titled, The First John. I sent an invitation to the former President, John Dramani Mahama, that I wanted to speak with him. Some of the people around him got mad inquiring where did I even get the courage to want to speak to him after all the stories I did which of them led him losing the elections. But what did the former president do? He met me, we sat down and then he said I could ask him whatever questions I needed to ask”.
According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, even though they disagreed on some of his previous work about the former president during their encounter, what struck him to the core was the former President’s departing words.
” We disagreed about some of my reports and the things I wrote about him. But his parting words were, ‘Even though I don’t always agree with you, I will protect and defend your right to say the things you say about me.'”
Manasseh highlighted the significant difference in the treatment of government critics during Mahama’s administration compared to the current Nana Addo-led government. He expressed concerns about the diminished protection and democracy for journalists and civil society actors under the current administration.
“The President Ghana Never Got” was launched on Friday, August 9th, 2024, in Accra. The book, authored by the award-winning Ghanaian journalist, reveals deep insights into the Nana Addo-led government, spanning over 400 pages.
Excerpts from Manasseh Azure Awuni’s speech at his book launch
