President John Dramani Mahama credits the Asantehene for convincing him to accept the vice president position during 2008 elections. Professor John Evans Atta Mills chose Mahama as his running mate but the future president wanted to quit politics completely. Mahama turned down the first offer because he planned to retire from public service and return to private life. The late Mills sent Baffoe Bonnie and other party leaders to persuade the reluctant politician.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called Mahama to visit Manhyia Palace for an important discussion about national service. The Asantehene told Mahama that citizens cannot refuse when their country needs them most. The traditional ruler convinced him that serving Ghana takes priority over personal retirement plans. Mahama agreed to meet with the king again during his next visit to Accra.
The Asantehene asked if Mahama had changed his mind about accepting the nomination for vice president. Mahama said yes but insisted he would serve only one term under Professor Mills. Otumfuo replied that even one day of service would be acceptable to the nation. The conversation proved decisive and Mahama accepted his role as Mills running mate.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called Mahama to visit Manhyia Palace for an important discussion about national service. The Asantehene told Mahama that citizens cannot refuse when their country needs them most. The traditional ruler convinced him that serving Ghana takes priority over personal retirement plans. Mahama agreed to meet with the king again during his next visit to Accra.
The Asantehene asked if Mahama had changed his mind about accepting the nomination for vice president. Mahama said yes but insisted he would serve only one term under Professor Mills. Otumfuo replied that even one day of service would be acceptable to the nation. The conversation proved decisive and Mahama accepted his role as Mills running mate.
