Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, says Ghana's "vehicle" cannot be handed over to a mate whose driver has failed to drive properly.

This is his figurative response to the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

While delivering a speech on February 7, the Vice President called on Ghanaians to vote for him as the next President to give him the mandate to implement policies that will grow the country.

 “As Vice-President, I am like a driver’s mate. But if, by the Grace of God, you make me President, I will be in the driver's seat with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities,” Dr Bawumia said.

But according to John Mahama, if the driver of the vehicle does not understand the basic road signs and always violates traffic regulations, the mate who is expected to learn to drive from the driver would learn those practices.

Speaking at a town hall meeting at Bussie in the Upper West Region on March 8, he stressed that the mate would drive like his boss.

• Read also: Move me from driver’s mate to the driver – Bawumia pleads with Ghanaians

“And so on 7th December, the driver is going and if the driver hasn't driven properly these seven years. We are not going to hand over the car to the driver's mate. If even the driver couldn't drive well, how much less the driver's mate?" he quizzed.

The former President further emphasised, "We all know what we've gone through these past seven and half years. The opportunity has come for us to rescue our nation from the incompetence and inept clueless administration of Nana Akufo-Addo and his driver's mate".

John Mahama advised that his experience as a former driver should be preferred over that of a poorly-trained driver's mate.

"So I leave you with one final question. If you have a car and the driver didn't drive well and you are taking your car, will you give it to your former experienced driver or the careless driver's mate? I will give it to the former experienced driver", he answered.

The two-day tour of the Upper West Region was attended by the public who had the opportunity to share their concerns with the NDC flagbearer.

Mr Mahama reiterated his decision to stay measured in his promises, especially regarding calls for enhanced remuneration by public sector workers.