President John Dramani Mahama has opened up about the pivotal role played by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in convincing him to accept the role of running mate to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, a decision that would later pave the way for his eventual ascension to the presidency.

During a courtesy visit to the Jubilee House by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Monday, June 2, Mr Mahama recounted how he initially declined several overtures from President Mills to become his vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2008 general elections.

“Professor Mills sent Barfuor-Adjei Barfi-Bonye of blessed memory and a team to come and tell me he wanted me to be his running mate. At that time, I had made my plans to leave politics,” Mr Mahama disclosed. “So my response was, ‘No, I won’t do it’.”

According to Mahama, even after subsequent approaches by senior political figures, including Ato Ahwoi, Totobi Quakyi, and Kwamena, he remained unconvinced and declined again.

A Royal Intervention

It was only after a call from the Asantehene that Mahama began to reconsider his decision.

“One day, I was in Accra and got a call – they said Otumfuo wants you in Kumasi. Who am I to refuse? So I got up and went,” he recalled.

In a compelling exchange, Otumfuo reportedly chastised Mahama for refusing the national call to serve.

“He said, ‘Are you the one Professor Mills asked to be his vice, and you declined? When your country calls you, you can’t refuse,” Mahama narrated.

The Asantehene reportedly likened Mahama’s situation to his own, saying, “I was sitting in London and my kingdom called me to become Otumfuo. You think I didn’t want to enjoy a free life? I had to do it.”

Otumfuo went on to say he would be travelling to South Africa to meet President Mills and wanted a definitive response from Mahama upon his return.

“So when Otumfuo makes a request, who are you to refuse?” Mahama mused.

A Reluctant Yes

Eventually, Mahama agreed to accept the role—but with a condition.

“When he came back to Accra, I told him I had made up my mind. But I said, ‘Tell Professor Mills I’ll do it for only one term.’ And Nana said, ‘Even if it is one day, I’ll accept it’.”

The decision marked a major turning point in Ghana’s political history. The Mills-Mahama ticket went on to win the 2008 elections, and following the untimely passing of President Mills in 2012, Mahama assumed office as President, later winning a full term in the 2012 elections.

"The Rest Is History"

In reflecting on the series of events, Mahama acknowledged the instrumental role played by the Asantehene in shaping his political journey.

“So he was instrumental in me becoming Professor Mills’ running mate. And of course, we went on to win that election. The rest is history,” he concluded.