According to the campaign team of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), President John Mahama has not endorsed the usage of the audio tape in advertising the ideals and proposals of the party.
A statement signed by the Director of Communications and Trade Minister, Hannah Tetteh, read: "President Mahama wishes to reiterate his position that he did not and has not endorsed any political advertising containing Pastor's Otabil's voice, neither is he aware of any surrogate affiliated to him as being behind the promotion of such tapes."
In the wake of the press conference held by Dr. Mensah Otabil to rectify the distortions in the tape, the NDC Communications team issued a statement which emphasized that the President could not be held responsible for the leakage of the audio tape and the actions of "any individual or group of individuals who may or may not have sympathies with the NDC and who are making information that is easily accessible, available in the public domain."
Dr. Otabil, addressing the media, appealed to President Mahama to stamp his feet and ensure that the leaked audio tape is withdrawn from any political discourse and advertisements. In view of this brouhaha, the Mahama 2012 Campaign team has issued another statement which highlights President John Mahama’s stance on the issue.
Below is the full statement:
President John Dramani Mahama has noted with concern the ensuing commentary in the media following the recent press conference by Dr. Mensah Otabil, General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church. It would be recalled that subsequent to the Press Conference by Pastor Otabil, the John Mahama 2012 Campaign issued a statement to clear the air on matters relating to issues raised in the respected Pastor's press conference.
President Mahama wishes to reiterate his position that he did not and has not endorsed any political advertising containing Pastor's Otabil's voice, neither is he aware of any surrogate affiliated to him as being behind the promotion of such tapes. President Mahama's campaign is focused on its own message of advancing the Better Ghana agenda with job creation as its pivot.
The President will therefore wish to appeal to all groups of volunteers, supporters and well-wishers who believe in his message to also focus on the official campaign message of jobs, employment, stability and development, and desist from any form of campaign advertising utilising the voice of non-political actors.
The Better Ghana Agenda offers the best hope for Ghanaians in terms of putting people first, providing more employment opportunities, accessible and quality education, improved healthcare, building a strong and resilient economy, infrastructural development, peace and stability.
This message, together with the humble and affable personality of the President, makes us confident of victory in the election. President Mahama wishes to reiterate his respect for the clergy and wishes to assure them of his commitment to ensuring that the Church and the State coexist in harmony and work in partnership towards improving the socio-economic wellbeing of our citizenry.
Hanna Tetteh
Communications Director
John Mahama 2012 Campaign
Source: ADU GYAMFI AMEYAW
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