A photo collage of Professor Gyampo [L] and Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama not to be swayed by recent praises from individuals who previously criticised him.
According to Professor Gyampo, some of Mahama’s fiercest critics have now turned around to heap praises on him, a gesture he believes should not distract the President or derail the efforts of the anti-corruption task force, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
Speaking on a panel discussion on TV3 on June 21, 2025, Professor Gyampo emphasised that regardless of the public accolades, ORAL must stay committed to its mandate of retrieving illegally acquired assets.
“All of a sudden, President Mahama is being showered with accolades from people who had once severely criticised him. Now he is being told that he is the most prepared president in Ghana. Some are saying that Ato Forson is the smartest Minister of Finance we have ever had. Some people are saying all manner of things.
“But I want to say that look, whether Mahama’s accolades are touted or not the reports of ORAL will be implemented, and nobody will be made to live in a fool’s paradise.
“If something is good, but the point is that we tell President Mahama that regardless of whatever people say about him, that he is doing well, that he is the most prepared president.
“Now people have started taking to a certain posture and it is curious, and I am surprised but we are saying that look, we will collect our money.
“Wherever monies have been kept, we will collect our money. Even if you praise him or you don’t praise him, the right thing would be done and it’s important that we put this on record and we let President Mahama know that he should not be swayed.
“Attorney General, all of you don’t be swayed by all this thing, let us go and get to the bottom of every matter that is being investigated regardless of whoever that is involved.”
Professor Gyampo’s comments follow remarks made by New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, who recently described President John Mahama as the most prepared leader in Ghana’s political history.
Speaking on Asaase Radio on June 16, 2025, Otchere-Darko highlighted Mahama’s unique career trajectory, which spans from serving as an assemblyman to becoming Vice President, President, and now again a presidential candidate.
“I think the current president is probably the most prepared president we have had. From assemblyman all the way to where he is now, Vice President, President, you have been in opposition, seen who your real friends are, learned from your mistakes, identified missed opportunities, and now you’ve been given another chance,” Otchere-Darko stated.
However, he also issued a word of caution, noting that Mahama faces immense pressure to fulfill campaign promises, particularly those directed at Ghana’s youth.
“The youth are unforgiving. They want jobs. They voted for you because they expect their aspirations to be met through your 24-hour economy policy and other promises. Satisfying them in this era of social and new media where every government action is magnified is a huge challenge,” he noted.
AM/KA
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