A prominent communication specialist and gender advocate, Golda Naa Adaku Addo has offered a frank and thoughtful reflection on President John Dramani Mahama’s return to power, nearly five months into his second term.
In an incisive analysis, the immediate past Chairperson of the Gender for Results Network (G4R) in Africa revisited the political evolution of President Mahama, marking the transitions from his abrupt ascension to power in 2012 to his current administration.
In her commentary, Addo retraced the arc of Mahama’s political journey, beginning with his elevation to the presidency following the sudden death of President John Evans Atta Mills in 2012.
She recalled that this development, though shocking, was met with a wave of goodwill, especially from Ghana’s youthful population, who believed President Mahama could usher in a new era of inclusive and responsive governance.
However, that promise, she argued, failed to crystallise in the years that followed. She noted that by the end of his first official term, President Mahama had, in her view, drifted from being a hopeful figure to what she described as “awful.”
The dramatic change, according to her, was not only due to his own shortcomings but also because of the behaviour of key people in his administration who alienated citizens through arrogance and poor conduct.
“In 2016, he was voted out, after a few years of demonstrations against him. The NPP did him a favour and showed Ghanaians shege. So much shege that NDC received groundswell in the last elections and gave Mahama his second/third triumphant entry into Jerusalem.”
Golda Naa Adaku Addo
Now five months into his return to power, Golda Naa Addo observes a stark contrast in President Mahama’s leadership style compared to his previous tenure.
This time, she asserted, he appears more self-aware, more engaged, and more responsive to the people. “He is listening. He is doing,” she wrote.
Lessons Learnt from the Past
Crucially, she acknowledged that President Mahama seems to have learned from the past, especially in understanding that the loyalty and discipline of his appointees cannot be taken for granted.
She praised his move to build mechanisms that ensure accountability within his team—a component she noted was sorely missing in his previous administration.
Golda Naa Addo highlighted that President Mahama is not just governing but is doing so innovatively, adding that his frequent interactions with both elite circles and ordinary citizens demonstrate a commitment to inclusive governance.
She noted with approval his focus on equitable development and economic planning that centres on the working-class majority.
Cautious Optimism
Nonetheless, her optimism is tempered with critical observations. She lists several persistent weaknesses that remain unresolved under Mahama’s current leadership.
These include what she described as the continued symbolic nature of the Vice Presidency, the excessive and inequitable expenditure privileges of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, and the still-critical issues surrounding illegal mining (galamsey), environmental degradation, urban planning failures, and land ownership conflicts.
Transportation and travel infrastructure gaps, poor waste management systems, deficiencies in social welfare and healthcare, and problematic taxation policies also make her list of concerns.
Furthermore, Golda Naa Addo questioned some of President Mahama’s appointments, suggesting that certain key roles have been given to individuals lacking the requisite experience or professionalism—positions that, if filled appropriately, could greatly accelerate Ghana’s development efforts.
Despite these criticisms, Golda Naa Addo remains hopeful. She called for the implementation of foundational laws and policies that could lay the groundwork for lasting change.
To her, genuine transformation is not about perfection but about consistent, deliberate improvement.
“Anyone can say Sorry. But those who truly apologise and make amends are those who prove that they know better, and therefore are doing better. It is my hope that the current trajectory leads Ghana to the place and time we have all been hoping for”.
Golda Naa Adaku Addo
Her final remarks serve as a moving reminder that political leadership by itself cannot guarantee Ghana’s future under Mahama or any other leader.
It also depends on its citizens’ moral renewal. She urged Ghanaians to reaffirm their commitment to ethics, honesty, hard work, community service, and neighborliness. She suggested that the national renaissance needs to be a group effort.
In addition to endorsing President Mahama’s reaffirmed leadership, Golda Naa Addo’s reflection serves as a sobering reminder that past mistakes cannot be repeated.
Her comments are consistent with the cautious optimism of many Ghanaians that President Mahama’s second chance may be a turning point, not just for him but for the country as a whole, as long as it is accompanied by honesty, responsibility, and audacious policymaking.
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