Renowned writer and activist Raymond Ablorh has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and undertaking significant constitutional reforms.
In a heartfelt statement, Ablorh highlighted two key initiatives by President Mahama that he believes will have a lasting impact on Ghana’s democratic and governance landscape.
According to Ablorh, one of the most commendable aspects of Mahama’s leadership is his effort to create space for young people to take up leadership roles and define Ghana’s future.
“Number 1 is something John Mills, may his sweet soul rest in peace, started. He introduced all the young guys who today have become mature politicians and more profitable to Ghana than a lot of the old politicians.
Today, the NDC can boast of more young leaders in government than the NPP because of John Mills and John Mahama. Those who were called babies with sharp teeth have matured into some of the sharpest young politicians that Ghana can boast of.”
Raymond Ablorh, a Renowned Writer
Ablorh noted that this strategic investment in young leadership puts the National Democratic Congress ahead of the New Patriotic Party in terms of future governance potential.
He recalled former President Jerry John Rawlings’ description of President Mahama as “a leader of the future” and suggested that President Mahama’s foresight in preparing the next generation of leaders validates that assertion.
In a sharp critique of the erstwhile NPP administration’s approach to leadership renewal, Ablorh argued that many of President Akufo-Addo’s appointees failed to deliver effective governance.
He pointed to instances where ageing political figures were at the centre of controversies, such as Hon Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the former Health Minister’s questionable handling of contracts at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“An old man like the Health Minister, who we were told was resting at the University of Ghana Medical Centre during the COVID-19 era, later told us he didn’t even know how Frontiers got the contract to manage our airport revenues.
“Meanwhile, low-hanging revenue sources that could have benefitted the state were handed over to private entities.”
Raymond Ablorh, a Renowned Writer
Ablorh further criticized the tendency of older political figures to entrench their families within government structures, stating that figures like former senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo had completed their tenure only to facilitate their children’s political ascension.
He urged Ghanaians to support the emerging generation of leaders rather than subject them to undue criticism.
“This is our generation. Allow us to shape our future. The older generations have done what they could; there’s nothing new they can add. Let’s support these young leaders to succeed instead of envying them. Leadership is tough, and they need our encouragement”.
Raymond Ablorh, a Renowned Writer
Constitutional Review: A Step Towards Democratic Maturity
Raymond Ablorh also expressed strong support for President Mahama’s decision to establish a Constitutional Review Committee to address necessary reforms in Ghana’s governance framework.
He described this initiative as a long-overdue necessity that he had personally advocated for years.
“I am glad Mahama appointed Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh to chair the Committee. It deeply pains me that Akoto Ampaw is no longer with us; I would have loved to see him on this committee. I worked with him on the Right to Information Bill, and he loved Ghana dearly”.
Raymond Ablorh, a Renowned Writer
He also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Abu Sakara Foster, with whom he collaborated at the National Interest Movement (NIM), commending his passion for Ghana’s democratic development.
Ablorh voiced strong confidence in the intellectual capacity of Professor Prempeh and other committee members, asserting that they have the expertise needed to chart a progressive constitutional path for Ghana.
“I interviewed former Electoral Commission Chairman Kwadwo Afari-Gyan decades ago, and he recounted the thought process behind the crafting of the Fourth Republican Constitution. I shared with him some aspects I believed needed reform, and he agreed.
“Now, I am counting on Professor Prempeh and the Committee to help the President deliver a robust new constitutional framework for Ghana”.
Raymond Ablorh, a Renowned Writer
The constitutional review process is expected to address several longstanding governance challenges, including issues related to executive power, electoral reforms, and judicial independence.
Many governance experts have long advocated for such reforms to ensure a more accountable and responsive democracy.
Ablorh’s remarks underscore the significance of leadership renewal and constitutional reforms in shaping Ghana’s future.
His endorsement of Mahama’s initiatives reflects a broader call for intergenerational equity in leadership and governance.
President Mahama’s commitment to young leadership and constitutional reform may well define his political legacy, offering a roadmap for Ghana’s future as a more inclusive and democratic society.
