He observed that it was high time the country elected a government that would listen to people in order to serve them well, saying “Ghana is in urgent need of a government that knows how to listen to people and is prepared to listen to them”.

“I promise you, I will also use my many years of experience and learning to work and I will use a renewed determination and sense of purpose to serve all Ghanaians to the best of my ability,” he assured the people.

Speak-out sessions

Former President Mahama explained that the Speak-out sessions, being organised by the NDC across the country, was a strategy to get input of Ghanaians about how governments should run the country.

“Your thoughts, ideas and insights will be carefully considered and included in our manifesto, policies and programmes that we will implement when we come into government in 2021,” Mr Mahama further assured.

The NDC flag bearer noted that there was an urgent need for him to return to government in 2021 because, “we cannot afford to have a government that continues to ignore the needs of the majority; the power is entirely in your hands and I urge you to think deeply about what you see here today”.

“People ask me why I am running for office again after having served as president of Ghana.

Perhaps your experience today answers that question. But let me answer that question, Ghana is in urgent need of a government that knows how to listen and is prepared to listen in order to serve and that is exactly what I promise you,” Mr Mahama further explained.

Key issues

The former President equally mentioned some key issues raised by participants that required urgent attention.

They include insecurity, corruption, free SHS and the double-track system, agriculture, health and many others.

“And for me, it re-confirms that, the people of Ghana know best and that the job of us as politicians and leaders is to ensure that the will of the people is done,” he noted.

The speak-out session was held to collate the views of residents of the Upper East Region who included traditional rulers, queenmothers, traders, public and civil servants with the aim of prioritising the needs of the citizenry.

In attendance were the NDC National Chairman, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; National Organiser, Joshua Akamba; former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; Deputy National Women’s Organiser, Ms Abigail Mensah; MPs and other party executives.