Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, says the rising cost of living and lack of respect for the rule of law have ignited the desire for Ghanaians to vote for the NDC in this year's election.

Speaking at the "Worship with the Clergy" event in Kumasi, the former President said the mismanagement of the economy by the NPP government has seen rising food inflation, debt restructuring, depreciation of the cedi, as well as the return of dumsor resulting from indebtedness in the energy sector.

"For some time now, there have been rampant power outages resulting from accumulated debt by this current government. There is dumsor, but they don't want to issue a timetable. Apart from the energy sector, food is expensive, and it is one of the highest in Africa according to the World Bank. Many Ghanaians are tired of the hardship and are calling for the return of the NDC, which has a good track record," he said.

Mr. Mahama waved into the brouhaha between Parliament and the Supreme Court, reiterating the need for the President to exhibit leadership by involving the clergy in prevailing on two parties to address any challenge.

He called for a review of Ghana's constitution to prevent frequent visits to the Supreme Court for interpretation.

"What is happening in parliament is something that can easily be solved by leadership. If the president would call both parties, I mean parliament and the Supreme Court and involve the clergy, this issue would be solved easily. I have always stated that all controversies in our constitution should be looked at and necessary reviews made to prevent frequent visits to the Supreme Court for interpretation. If we do that, our democracy will be strengthened," he indicated.

John Mahama revealed the second coming of his government will ban mining in forest reserves and water bodies and ensure responsible mining.

"One of the biggest problems facing this country is Galamsey. Our lands, water bodies, and forests are destroyed because of this illegal mining. NDC will put a ban on mining in river bodies and forests and ensure responsible mining that will ensure the integrity of our environment," he stated.

John Mahama called on the clergy and Ghanaians to help ensure a peaceful election. He believes nothing can replace the democracy and peace enjoyed in this country.

Although he expressed dissatisfaction about the declining trend of Ghana's democracy, he believes a joint effort from the clergy and Ghanaians as a whole will restore confidence in our democracy.

"Ghana's democracy was rated low, and the youth in this country don't believe in democracy anymore and wish for a military government. We should not go back to the military era, where people ruled with guns. We must protect our democracy at all costs," Mr Mahama said.