Former President John Dramani Mahama has described as “mischievous” reports making rounds that he has refused to vacate his official residence to allow the current vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to occupy it.
Mahama has been staying in the Cantonments residence ever since he was vice president and requested to use it as his “retirement home” before the dissolution of the Sixth Parliament after losing the December 2016 elections.
However, there are reports that Dr. Bawumia is “stranded” since he has nowhere to move to as his official residence.
Reacting to the claim, Mahama said a section of the media is being used to “embarrass” him when he had formally informed the incoming administration through his former chief of staff Julius Debrah to continue staying in the house.
Mr. Debrah’s letter reads in part, “Reference our (Osafo-Marfo/Debrah) discussion of 19th December 2016 on the above stated matter, we wish to indicate that H.E President John Dramani Mahama would like to have Bungalow No. 3, Prestige Link, Cantoments, Accra and its adjoining facilities as his official retirement home.”
About Bungalow No. 3
Location: Prestige Link, Cantonments, Accra
Serves as official residence of Ghana’s veeps since 2000
Previous occupants: Late Alhaji Aliu Mahama
John Mahama (When he was vice and then president)
Previous use: COCOBOD Guest House
A statement from Mahama’s office Monday said: “The claims that Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia is stranded and has nowhere to stay, is mischievous and deliberately intended to embarrass President Mahama.
“The Vice President is expected to take up residence in the House known as Australia House, which was previously occupied by former Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.”
Below is the full statement:
Ignore claims about President Mahama’s residence
Contrary to the claims being made that HE John Dramani Mahama, former President of the Republic of Ghana, has refused to vacate his residence, we wish to state and confirm that per the information officially communicated to the newly inaugurated administration following discussions by the Joint Transition Team, President Mahama will continue to maintain his current place of residence as his retirement home.
The decision and agreement on the place of residence and office for the former President was formally communicated to the new administration by the former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on December 19, 2016.
The Sixth Parliament of the 4th Republic before its dissolution, also resolved that residential and office accommodation should be provided to the outgoing President, HE John Dramani Mahama in line with convention and existing precedent.
The claims that Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia is stranded and has nowhere to stay, is mischievous and deliberately intended to embarrass President Mahama.
The Vice President is expected to take up residence in the House known as Australia House, which was previously occupied by former Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.
An Official and Permanent residence for the Vice President is currently under construction, off the Switchback road. Dr. Bawumia will move into the new structure when completed.
Office of HE John Dramani Mahama
Former President of the Republic of Ghana
Accra- Ghana.
January 09, 2017.
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Mr President, your failure to be guided by the past is the cause of your defeat. For once give Ghanaians the opportunity to respect you. At the inauguration last Saturday, we appreciated your presence but you let us down with some gossips here and there with your wife. It's cool though, but it is not worthy of a past President to be found whispering and pointing in a colorful ceremony such as this. Just as Ghanaians are about to hold you in a high esteem in spite of your horrible presidency you are requesting to keep a home that has been vacated by your predecessors. Have you forgotten what your babies with sharp teeth said Jake and the NPP buying the State properties? Were you the Vice President when your hired Ga Youth removed President Kuffour from house he intended to use as an official office? Mr. President, I am instigating equalization after all who am I? But just as we saw it inappropriate at the time, I believe it is supposed to be seen as such today. And you should have pre-empted that. As far as housing Formal Presidents I believe the Proposals by Henry Hesseys's committee was the best with little alteration. In my view, I believe the house they suggested for the President in Accra should not be out-rightly be given to the President. Instead, there should be a ten house village in an enclave called Presidential village where we will house our Past Presidents for official purpose and political statesmanship. And once they are gone to eternity the State re-ppocess it for future allocation as we wouldn't have land to build for others in the future. The other house of the President's choice in a location of their choice should be the one that should be permanently allocated to the first family as it will be of no official value to the state. Mr. President just think through it.
Mahama don't disgrace yourself..... kindly move out peacefully and go find yourself your own property,it rather shame to use your own power to grab government property. Since you did not plan for your exit package ....you see yourself. No condition is ever permanent .
I thought it was only Kuffour who was greedy. Now, I see Mahama also wants a property of the nation for free. Where are the custodians of the land?
Ex-President Mahama must stop answering questions in the press.
If Atta Mills or Aliu decided to keep that house you want now, will you have met it? Clear off and go and find your own house. That house mut continue to be the official residence of all Vice Presidents. Greedy man.