President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, played a crucial role in convincing him to accept the position of running mate to the late President John Evans Atta Mills during the 2008 general elections.
Speaking at the presidency in Accra on Monday, June 2, 2025, when the Asantehene paid a courtesy call on him, Mahama recounted how he was initially reluctant to take on the role due to personal and political considerations.
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However, after a decisive meeting with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered king was able to persuade him to join Atta Mills on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket.
He said “The first time Prof. Mills sent Baffoe-Bonnie of blessed memory and a team to tell me he wanted me to be his running mate, I said no. I had already made up my mind to leave politics,” adding that even after additional pressure from key party stalwarts, including Ato Ahwoi, Totobi Quakyi, and Kwamena Ahwoi, he still refused the offer.
“One day, while I was in Accra, I got a call that Otumfuo wanted to see me in Manhyia. Who was I to refuse?… When I arrived, he asked, ‘Are you the one refusing to be Prof. Mills’ running mate? You can’t do that. When your country calls you, you must respond,'” Mahama stated.
The 2008 elections were a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. The Mills-Mahama ticket eventually won the closely contested election, leading to a peaceful transition of power and further strengthening Ghana’s democratic credentials.
Mahama went on to serve as Vice President under President Mills until the latter’s untimely death in 2012, after which Mahama became President and later won the 2012 election in his own right.
