Former Attorney General Martin Amidu has urged President John Mahama to move beyond “rhetorical excuses” and deliver on his promises to Ghanaians.

In an article, the anti-corruption crusader took aim at the President’s recent description of Ghana as an “economic crime scene,” questioning the sincerity and purpose of the statement.

“Am I hearing well and rightly that President Mahama described Ghana rhetorically as an ‘economic crime scene’ before 7 January 2025 that has to be reset?” Mr Amidu queried.

“We the people voted for President Mahama for firm and impartial leadership and not worn-out politico-economic rhetorical excuses.”

Martin Amidu expressed disappointment that despite being in opposition before the 2024 elections, Mahama and his minority in Parliament did little to prevent the alleged economic mismanagement.

“I am more interested in knowing what President Mahama in opposition and his minority in Parliament did concretely for Ghanaians during the interregnum when the economy was being turned into an economic crime scene,” he wrote.

Read also: Mahama, let’s stop empty rhetoric or economic crime scenes and walk pre-election can-do talk

Drawing parallels with past administrations, Amidu pointed out that similar rhetoric has been used by successive governments to justify controversial economic decisions.

“President John Agyekum Kufuor sent Ghana to HIPC using this same empty ‘economic crime scene’ rhetoric,” he noted.

“After Kufuor’s tenure, the Mills and Mahama regimes used similar rhetoric in 2009 to secure the Three Billion US Dollar loan from China.”

The former Special Prosecutor warned that Ghanaians are wary of the cyclical blame game between administrations, cautioning against using such language as a smokescreen for further borrowing.

“Hopefully, Mr President’s ‘economic crime scene’ rhetoric is not a preparation of our minds for another HIPC or China loan as has been usual with NPP and NDC governments,” he stated.

Turning to current events, Mr Amidu expressed concern over governance under Mahama’s new tenure, referencing what he termed a “political crime scene” unfolding since January 7, 2025.

“What of the ‘political crime scene’ unfolding under President Mahama’s watch between 7 January 2025 and 18 February 2025… preceded by all his promises of repentance and redemption? The whip would not crack?” he asked pointedly.

In a personal appeal, Martin Amidu urged President Mahama to heed warnings against sycophancy and to focus on honest leadership.

“The electorate is not foolish and unthinking, Mr. President,” he warned.

“When Cadman Mills warned you earlier about sycophants, the sycophants mercilessly verbally assaulted him.”

Ending on a hopeful yet cautionary note, Martin Amidu stressed that President Mahama’s success is crucial for the governing party’s survival.

“I also have a vested interest in your success. You must not fail again and send the NDC into opposition come 7 December 2028,” he wrote.

“Please, brother, walk your pre-election can-do talk! Asalamalekum! Shalom aleichem! Peace be upon you!”