Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, President of the Accra Business School and Bishop of the Pleasant Place Church, has written a compelling open letter to former President and President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, urging him to approach his second chance at leadership with humility, purpose, and a renewed commitment to the people of Ghana.
In his letter, Bishop Titi-Ofei highlighted the unique opportunity afforded to President-Elect Mahama and outlined a visionary roadmap for leadership centered on service, integrity, and faith.
“Few people in history are blessed with a second chance at leadership, and even fewer in a position as impactful as the presidency of Ghana. You have been afforded this rare opportunity a privilege that carries immense responsibility.
“This moment is not just for politics but for purpose a chance to reshape the future of our nation and to leave a legacy that will endure far beyond your time in office”.
Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, President of Accra Business School and the Bishop of Pleasant Place Church
Acknowledge Success, Correct Mistakes with Meekness
The Bishop advised President-Elect Mahama to avoid demonizing his predecessor, calling instead for an approach that acknowledges successes and builds upon the foundations laid where beneficial.
“Where mistakes were made, correct them with humility and meekness, for leadership is not a competition but a service,” he wrote. Bishop Titi-Ofei stressed the importance of fostering unity over division and letting actions speak louder than words to heal national divisions.
He also urged President-Elect Mahama to resist the temptation to rewrite history to suit a narrative, pointing out that President-Elect’s ability to lead with integrity and fairness will heal divisions and foster trust among all Ghanaians.
Champion the Poor and Vulnerable
Central to the letter was a passionate plea to prioritise Ghana’s most vulnerable citizens. Bishop Titi-Ofei highlighted the struggles of farmers, market women, and transport operators, urging President Mahama to among several things: create sustainable opportunities by encouraging entrepreneurship, industrialization, and investment.
He further urged the former President to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthen agriculture, and improve access to affordable credit and also invest in healthcare for remote and underserved communities and champion education for all children, regardless of background.
“Let your legacy be written in the lives transformed, the children educated, the incomes raised, and the communities revived,” he implored.
Prosecute Corruption, Avoid Persecution
Moreover, Bishop Titi-Ofei called for a firm but fair stance against corruption, urging President-Elect Mahama to prosecute officials who misuse public funds irrespective of their rank.
However, he cautioned against using accountability as a guise for persecuting political opponents, warning that such actions would deepen national divisions.
“Resist the urge to build a dynasty build a nation instead. Surround yourself with competent, visionary individuals who will prioritize Ghana’s progress over personal gain. Remember, a leader is judged not by the wealth of his friends but by the wellbeing of his people”.
Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, President of Accra Business School and the Bishop of Pleasant Place Church
A Legacy of Service, Not Self
The Bishop also urged President-Elect Mahama to focus on creating lasting policies and initiatives that benefit future generations rather than pursuing transient accomplishments.
He encouraged him to complete and acknowledge projects initiated by his predecessor that are beneficial to the nation, emphasizing that such actions reflect maturity and humility.
“Let your presidency be remembered for creating a Ghana that is more prosperous, more just, and more unified than ever before”, the good Bishop implored. “This is not the time for ‘jobs for the boys,’” Bishop Titi-Ofei warned. He stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with the brightest minds, regardless of political affiliations, to prioritize Ghana’s progress.
“Let your appointments be a reflection of your commitment to excellence, not partisanship”, he said. Competence and vision, he argued, should outweigh loyalty and partisanship in appointments.
Faith as the Foundation of Leadership
Drawing from Psalm 127:1, Bishop Titi-Ofei reminded Mahama that leadership is a divine calling. He urged the former president to restore the National Day of Prayer as a reminder of the need for divine wisdom in governance.
“Seek God’s strength daily, for the challenges of leadership are many, but His grace is sufficient,” he wrote, emphasizing compassion, fairness, and humility.
Concluding his letter, Bishop Titi-Ofei made a heartfelt appeal for servant leadership. “This second chance you have been given is not for you alone—it is for Ghana,” he declared, urging President-Elect John Dramani Mahama to seize the moment to serve, uplift, and glorify God.
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