President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a powerful message to his ministers and senior government officials, making it clear that his current presidential term will be defined by impact, not inertia.
Speaking at the Executive Leadership Retreat in Ada on Thursday, April 24, President Mahama declared, “This is my legacy term. I intend to make it count.”
With those words, he challenged appointees to adopt a bold and purposeful approach to governance—one anchored in vision, accountability, and unwavering service to the people of Ghana.
“I issue this challenge to each of you to lead your sectors with vision and integrity, champion innovation, make decisions based on facts and data, and not on guesswork,” Mahama urged. “Spend public funds wisely and judiciously, reject opulence, and never forget your first duty is to the people of Ghana—not to your own political survival, not to the applause you will get, and not to your official gain.”
President Mahama made it clear that results—not rhetoric—will be the benchmark for success. “You were not appointed to occupy space, you were appointed to solve problems. The Ghanaian people expect us to deliver, and we must not with excuses, but results.”
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In line with his focus on sustainable development and self-reliance, President Mahama also highlighted a new initiative aimed at increasing local participation in Ghana’s resource economy.
“We must have an indigenisation programme for taking control of some of our natural resources. In the next few months, we will develop a policy on indigenous participation in natural resource exploitation to ensure Ghanaian participation,” he stated.
Also speaking at the same event was former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who offered critical insight into the governance challenges in West Africa.
In his address, Dr. Jonathan questioned the adequacy of a four-year presidential term, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana.
“In Nigeria and Ghana, our tenure for president is so short. In Africa, it is only Nigeria and Ghana that have a four-year tenure of presidency. Most countries have five years. What can somebody do in four years ?” he asked.
