Dr. John Osae Kwapong, a research fellow at CDD-Ghana, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama is making a deliberate effort to reshape public perception of his leadership in his second term.
He emphasized that Mahama’s approach—calling for humility, accountability, and prudent governance—signals a conscious effort to distinguish his current administration from his first.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Dr. Kwapong noted that President Mahama appears to have learned from his first presidency, his defeat in 2016, and his subsequent attempts to return to power before winning in 2024.
His comments follow ongoing debates and concerns surrounding Mahama’s past administration, particularly the persistent power outages (“Dumsor”) that led to job losses and widespread criticism of his presidency.
Dr. Kwapong also highlighted Mahama’s approach to appointments, emphasizing his focus on a younger generation of leaders.
According to him, President Mahama’s directives to appointees after their swearing-in demonstrate his commitment to fulfilling the promises made in his manifesto.
Mahama has already taken steps to reinforce this image by implementing measures aimed at modesty and fiscal responsibility.
He has banned non-essential travel for government appointees, stressing the prudent use of state resources. At the swearing-in of 17 ministers on Friday, February 7, he cautioned against arrogance and extravagance, underscoring the importance of accountability in governance.
Additionally, he has instructed Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur to collaborate with the Finance Minister to secure funding for the completion of the long-abandoned Anomabu Fisheries College in the Central Region—an effort aligned with his broader commitment to development and efficient governance.
“Overall, I believe President Mahama is setting the right tone. He wants this presidency to look, feel, and be appreciated differently than his first. The statements and sentiments he is expressing—such as advising against arrogance, urging officials to listen to the public, and demonstrating commitment—are all aimed at shaping a new perception of his leadership.
“In terms of his appointments, two things stand out. One is the generation he is tapping into, which suggests he is not only thinking about this administration but also the long-term future of his party and the next generation of leaders,” he stated
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