Ada: President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians of his commitment to lead by example, emphasizing that he will embody the values of discipline, transparency, and accountability. Speaking at the inaugural Four-Day Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme Retreat in Ada, Greater Accra Region, President Mahama underscored his dedication to transforming Ghana’s economy through hard work and decisive action.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama highlighted the retreat’s theme, “Re-Imagining Leadership in a Reset Ghana,” as a call to action rather than a mere orientation for ministers. He stressed the importance of fostering a collective mindset and a shared vision for leadership that is people-centered, innovative, and transformational. The President reminded ministers that the future success of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the legacy of the current administration depended on their efforts.
President Mahama announced plans for bold reforms under initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy and the Big Push, aimed at creating jobs, expanding infrastructure, and boosting productivity. These efforts are intended to position Ghana as a leader in both West Africa and the broader African continent. To achieve these goals, he emphasized the need to attract local and international investment by building trust and establishing a government that investors, the private sector, and the Ghanaian people can rely on.
He further stressed the importance of leveraging Ghana’s comparative advantages to build prosperity, urging ministers to engage in critical conversations with the private sector and development partners. President Mahama emphasized that development requires strong collaboration, innovative financing, and shared responsibility, particularly in the face of global challenges such as shifting power dynamics, climate change, terrorism, and declining aid.
The President called on ministers and government appointees to work towards making Ghana a strong nation that contributes to defending multilateralism, promoting peace, and advancing the African agenda. He encouraged leaders to be proactive co-creators of a more equitable global order rather than passive recipients of charity.
Regarding the retreat’s structure, President Mahama highlighted the significance of Cabinet and Government orientation sessions in guiding ministers to execute their mandates and collaborate effectively as a team. He urged participants to leave the retreat with a clear purpose and the humility to continue learning, emphasizing the importance of listening, engaging, and adapting to deliver results.
President Mahama also expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued partnership with Ghana and its instrumental role in facilitating the Ministerial Retreat. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the event’s guest speaker, encouraged President Mahama to invest more in Ghana’s educational sector to accelerate the nation’s socioeconomic development, stating, “If we must move Africa forward, then Ghana must move forward.”
