The decision by former President John Mahama to withdraw his initially expressed interest in keeping his official residence as part of his retirement package exalts his status as a statesman, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), has stated.
Mr Mahama personally wrote to government to rescind his interest stating that he was ready to move out of the state bungalow which he occupied as his residence during his tenure.
Mr Mahama said in part: “I refer to our agreement on the above subject matter and wish to inform you that I have decided to formally withdraw both requests to continue to stay at my current place of residence, No.3. Prestige Link Cantonment, and also to use bungalow No.6 3rd Avenue Ridge, as my office.”
Commenting on the issue on Class FM’s 12 Live, Dr Osae told Nabil Ahmed Rufai that the latest development “goes to deepen our democracy”.
He explained: “What it has done is that it has dignified and solidified his status and his position and stature as an elderly statesman in this country.”
He was, however, curious why the letter was copied to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Overlord of the Asante Kingdom.
The only reason he could attach to that act was that the Asantehene may have impressed on the former president to give up his interest in the house.
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
