Under his leadership, President John Dramani Mahama has urged his ministers to embrace a new era of governance based on daring reform, accountability, and people-centred development.
The President criticised the practice of “business-as-usual” while addressing the opening of a four-day Executive Leadership Program for ministers.
He urged his ministers to approach their mandates with urgency, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the Ghanaian people.
“This programme is not a formality. It is a foundational step in rethinking the future of governance, leadership, and development in our country.
“I wish to thank the United Nations Development Programme for its continued partnership with Ghana and for its instrumental role in making today’s engagement possible”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The President’s words established the tone for what he called a “legacy term” of his presidency, one that must produce real results rather than justifications.
The urgency of the national moment was emphasised in President Mahama’s speech. He said, “Ghana stands at a crossroads,” referring to the severe economic difficulties facing the nation.
He pointed out that record public debt, a structural over-reliance on exports of raw commodities, and rising unemployment, particularly among young people, are the main causes of the troubled economy.
The President also bemoaned the decline in public trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions, stressing that the Executive Leadership Program shouldn’t be viewed as a ceremonial endeavour but rather a platform to drive change.
“I make this not to point fingers or to lament about the situation, and that is not why we are here. We’re here because Ghanaians chose hope. They voted for leadership that is bold, humble, and honest.
“I’m unafraid to take the tough decisions that will transform our country. I stand before you not to make promises but to issue a challenge, and that challenge begins with each of us in this room.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
In order to fulfil this mandate, he called on his ministers to give up antiquated practices and adopt a new way of thinking that places an emphasis on creativity, data-driven decision-making, openness, and—above all—empathy.
“You are appointed to solve problems, not to take up space,” the President said, reminding his team of their responsibilities under the social contract they currently share with the Ghanaian people.“We must not deliver excuses. We must deliver results,” he stressed.
From Competent Administrators to Bold Reformers
President Mahama emphasized that technical proficiency alone would no longer be enough, saying that what is needed now are “bold reformers” who recognize that radical change necessitates bravery and selflessness.
The President urged caution in the handling of public funds and a categorical rejection of luxury in a direct appeal to integrity in public service.
He urged ministers to avoid the temptations of self-enrichment and political expediency, always keeping in mind that their duty is to the Ghanaian people, not to themselves.
“The task before us requires leadership that is empathetic, disciplined and accountable; leadership that is not defined by titles but by service, and leadership that is not defined by slogans, but by substance.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
24-Hour Economy and ‘The Big Push’
President Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to two major projects as part of his administration’s reform agenda: the “$10 Big Push Initiative” and the 24-hour economy.
It is anticipated that these initiatives will greatly increase the number of jobs created, develop vital infrastructure, and raise national productivity.
However, the President emphasized the necessity of luring both domestic and foreign investment in order to accomplish these objectives. He emphasized the importance of trust, not just among the general public but also among investors.
“We must be a government that investors believe in, that the private sector can partner with, and that the Ghanaian people can count on. We must leverage our comparative advantages to build prosperity for our people.
“And this is why this retreat includes critical conversations, not just amongst ourselves as ministers, but also with the private sector and development partners, because we cannot walk this journey alone”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
According to President Mahama, development today requires strong collaboration, innovative financing, among others, calling for efforts to defend multilateralism, promote peace, and advance the African agenda.
“We must take our place not as passive recipients of charity, but as co-creators of a more equitable global order. And this is why we must train and nurture leaders within and beyond government who understand the stakes and can rise to the moment”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The President said that the retreat’s focus on interministerial coordination and teamwork is one of its defining features.
The government is a collective enterprise, he explained, and its success depends not only on individual performance but also on how different actors coordinate their efforts across sectors.
He commended the program’s structure, which includes orientation sessions on effective governance, cabinet procedures, and strategic engagement with the private sector and civil society.
According to him, these are crucial for developing leaders who can step up and lead Ghana through its transition.
President Mahama also urged ministers to maintain their humility and receptivity to new ideas. “Knowing everything is not the goal of this job, he said, emphasising the significance of responsive and people-focused governance by saying, “It is about listening.”
The President concluded with a powerful appeal for reflection and leadership that is centered on legacy.
“Let us work not for applause, but for results. Let us lead with honour, and let us remember always that the true measure of our success will be the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He reminded his ministers that the performance and credibility of the current government will determine the future of Ghana and the success of their political party. “We have to put in our best effort. To ensure the success of our party in the future, we must cooperate“, he remarked.
President Mahama officially opened the Executive Leadership Program with these remarks, laying the groundwork for a four-day retreat that may very well influence Ghana’s future democratic and developmental trajectory.
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