President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated the need for public officeholders to be accountable to the people they serve, stressing that leadership must be built on responsibility and trust.
Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Ethiopia, President Mahama underscored the significance of setting a strong example for good governance.
“We must lead by example. Those of us in leadership must lead by example. We must be prepared to be held accountable for taking the public trust. If you accept to serve in the public sector, then you must be prepared to answer to the people. Because it is the people who put you there; you serve at their pleasure.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama emphasized that leadership is not just a privilege but a responsibility that must be fulfilled with integrity.
President Mahama stressed that those who accept public office must be willing to answer to the people because leadership is a service, not an entitlement.
According to President Mahama, public service should not be seen as an avenue for personal gain but rather as a call to duty that comes with high expectations and accountability.
He noted that many individuals are eager to receive their official appointments, marked by the coveted “green letter” from the presidency. However, he cautioned that these appointments are not merely ceremonial but come with great responsibility.
“Everybody is excited and running and asking one another, saying, ‘Have you got a green letter from the president?’ The green letter comes with a lot of responsibility and expectation”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The President also made it clear that while it is essential to hold past leaders accountable for their actions, current officeholders should recognize that they too will face similar scrutiny.
“And I’ve said that while we hold those who came before us accountable, we should remember that we’re also going to be held to account in the same way,” President Mahama remarked.
Constitutional Reforms and Economic Stabilization
Beyond accountability, President Mahama touched on the need for constitutional reforms to ensure good governance and transparency. He asserted that amending the constitution is a crucial step in strengthening the democratic foundations of the country.
President Mahama also acknowledged the economic challenges facing Ghana and stressed that stabilizing the economy and creating employment opportunities for the youth must be prioritized. He described these objectives as part of the fundamental responsibilities of leadership.
“And so amending the constitution, holding people accountable for the public trust, and making sure that we stabilize the economy and create the opportunity for our young people to work as quickly as possible—that is what the task ahead of us is”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He admitted that while achieving all these goals within a single administration might not be feasible, he remains determined to lay a solid foundation for the country’s development.
“We may not be able to complete the process, but at least I’m determined that we lay the foundation and put Ghana on the right track so that anybody else who takes over can continue and consolidate it”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama’s remarks in Ethiopia add to his earlier call for responsible governance and accountability in Ghana.
Since his assumption to the high office of President, President Mahama has consistently underscored the critical need for accountability, modesty, integrity and responsible leadership to reshape the fortunes of the country.
With economic stabilization and youth employment high on his agenda, President Mahama’s engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora reflects his broader vision of ensuring that governance remains people-centred and transparent.
His call for constitutional amendments also signals a commitment to institutional reforms aimed at deepening democracy and enhancing accountability.
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