NPP GERMANY
PRESS RELEASE
24—06—2025
It’s Just Fair Enough To Scrutinise Sharaf Mahama The Same Way Ghanaians Served Akufo-Addo And His Daughters—NPP GERMANY
NPP GERMANY is deeply concerned, particularly, in a country where political power often breeds impunity and privilege masquerades as patriotism, it tells you clearly that this is not enough for intentions to be good.
It is the process and transparency behind those intentions that matter. And so, while many applaud Sharaf Mahama’s recent efforts through Legacy Rise Sports to revive boxing in Ghana, it would be reckless and hypocritical to ignore the glaring questions surrounding the involvement of the president’s son in a project that potentially or likely draws from the state’s well of resources and influence.
Sharaf Mahama is not an ordinary citizen. As the son of President John Dramani Mahama, his activities—however noble—inevitably intersect with public interest.
That is precisely why his recent boxing event, which saw the likes of Anthony Joshua gracing our shores, must face the same public scrutiny and questions that were hurled at President Akufo-Addo’s daughters during the NPP administration.
When Akufo-Addo’s daughters spearheaded initiatives under the controversial Creative Arts Agency umbrella or were seen benefiting from state-linked privileges, Ghanaians across the political divide called foul.
The public did not care whether the events were successful or the cause was culturally sound.
The central issue was access and influence. Why should presidential relatives—who wield soft power by virtue of their last name—be allowed to front supposedly private initiatives that appear to receive state support, logistics, security, or preferential sponsorships?
The same yardstick must now apply to Sharaf Mahama. We must ask: Was public money used in the organisation of the Legacy Rise boxing event?
Were state resources, infrastructure, or government connections leveraged for sponsorships, media coverage, or diplomatic access?
How was the Jubilee House used as a meeting ground for a private venture? And why was President Mahama himself publicly endorsing a platform founded and managed by his own son?
Yes, the idea of reviving Ghana boxing is commendable. And yes, Anthony Joshua’s involvement is high-profile enough to generate buzz. But nation-building cannot become a family enterprise. Ghana is not a dynasty. Neither is the presidency a family business hub.
The very optics of a President promoting his son’s project under the guise of national development must be interrogated.
Let’s not forget that this same country lambasted political dynasties for less. We criticised Akufo-Addo’s government for turning governance into a family affair—brothers, cousins, daughters, all appearing to have their hand in some pot of influence.
So why should we now look the other way because it’s the son of a different president pursuing sports ambitions?
This is not an attack on Sharaf Mahama’s person or passion. It is a principled call to accountability.
If Legacy Rise Sports is truly a private initiative, it should stand or fall on private footing—independent of taxpayer money, state protocol, or presidential endorsement.
Public officeholders, past or present, must draw a clear line between familial ambition and national function.
To those defending this on grounds of good intention, I say this: history has taught us that corruption often rides on the back of noble rhetoric.
Today it’s boxing; tomorrow, it could be real estate, mining, or telecommunications.
What starts with public applause ends in bitter regret when lines are not drawn early.
The precedent we set today will determine how future political families behave in office.
If we want fairness and transparency to prevail, then Sharaf Mahama’s Legacy Rise Sports must be subjected to the same public examination and political grilling we demanded of others.
In Ghana, no presidential name should ever become a shield from scrutiny.
The time for ambiguity is over. Leadership demands action—and that action must begin now.
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!
Long Live Ghana, long live the Elephant Party!!!!
Kukruduuuu Eeeessshiii!!!
Signed:
Nana Osei Boateng
NPP GERMANY
Communications Director
