I can't change my nature and be rowdy -- John Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama says he cannot change his calm and welcoming nature even in the most testing of circumstances.

According to him, his family and religious upbringing do not permit him to depart from the kind of person he is, explaining that he was in the church before he entered politics.

Answering a question on Akina FM in Techiman, on perceptions that under him the NDC has become a church instead of a political party, the former President said that wasn't the case. 

"We all have our beliefs and we all have different upbringings. I was not raised to be a ruffian. I was raised to be polite, gentle and civil to every human being. To be sensitive to people irrespective of who you are. That's how I was raised" he explained. 

He also added, "I can't change that character and say I am going to be macho, ruffian or fight." 

Mr. Mahama, who is on the second phase of his tour to thank Ghanaians, also rejected the suggestion that he must change, insisting that no life is worth being lost because of power.

"The point is not everyone can do it. But you must not change your character because of politics. For the sake of the peace of the country you must let go of somethings. Otherwise, when one says I won't agree and another disagrees, people will die... and you have to be responsible" he stated.

On why the NDC before, during and after the 2020 elections complained about wrongdoing and yet remained law abiding, Mr. Mahama stated that it would have been irresponsible to ask people to go on the streets or pick up arms in protest because of the disputed 2020 elections in which 8 Ghanaians were killed.

"It would be irresponsible to do that. For the sake of peace for our nation, we decided to follow the constitutional route and go to court" he explained.

The other regions to be visited by Mr. Mahama in the second phase of the tour are the Bono, Ahafo, Western North and Ashanti regions.