Dear President-Elect of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama,
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you. You will become the 9th president of the 4th Republic of Ghana on the 7th January, 2025. Indeed, your victory in the 2024 general election of Ghana was historical. This should strengthen your sense of endorsement by Ghanaians to lead them for the next four years.
As the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility”. I know you are familiar with the things I write here. But please allow me to write them to serve as a reference for evaluating your leadership in this position.
A Call to National Unity
Firstly, Your Excellency, kindly take note that Ghanaians voted for you. It was not just the members of the NDC. This means that from January 7th, your rhetoric should be geared towards uniting the country for national development. I commend you for your intention. You plan to conduct a national consultation. This will address the future of the free SHS education program started by the current government. Ghana will achieve great development when every Ghanaian contributes to that collective goal. Your speeches should seek to unite us, transcending political parties, tribes, religions and social classes. Only Ghanaians truly have the development of Ghana at heart.
A Time of Reflection
Furthermore, Mr. President, I trust that your 8 years in opposition have given you ample time to reflect on the shortcomings of your first administration. Also, observing a different government during this period should have given you valuable insights. We therefore expect you to have a clearer vision for Ghana’s future. You need to put in the necessary effort for the country’s development.
Strengthen the Independence of National Institutions
Again, Your Excellency, I urge you to allow independent institutions to operate without interference. Your absence has given Ghanaians the opportunity to compare different standards of governance. Through their votes, Ghanaians have endorsed your efforts in fighting corruption. Your description of the current president as a “clearing agent” implies that much is expected of you. Kindly refrain from interfering with the judiciary, police service, electoral commission, NIB, CHRAJ, EOCO, Special Prosecutor and other independent authorities. Allow them to work without fear or favour. Implement measures to enhance their independence from the executive arm of government. This does not mean permitting any abuse of power. Instead, it means supporting them to be robust and effective in their assignments. No nation can develop efficiently without checks and balances, accountability, and responsibility. Ghanaians are watching, and they will deliver their verdict in the next 4 years. As you have warned those in your administration to be ethical, do not hesitate to crack the whip when necessary.
Improve Education
Finally, Your Excellency, Ghana’s education system needs your support. Every country requires its best minds to drive development, and these people are nurtured through education and skill acquisition. Kindly take concrete steps to reduce the teacher-to-student and student-to-classroom ratios, especially in primary and secondary institutions. Teacher motivation is crucial; a happy teacher makes a happy student. Ensure that teachers and students have access to the necessary materials, books, and resources. Encourage a focus not just on exam preparation but on holistic learning too. Practical opportunities for students to apply their knowledge are essential. Lastly, there should be a conscious effort to instil in students the desire to find solutions to local problems in their communities. This can be achieved by organizing local competitions where students from different districts will compete to solve local issues. Such initiatives will reduce the burden of the government and ensure that all citizens contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
Conclusion
I wish you all the best in the next 4 years. I hope you make a great name for yourself and the country. You have the opportunity to be counted among the greatest presidents of Ghana. Never take the trust of the people for granted and always remember the words of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: “Ghanaians are not timid people.”
Long live Ghana!
Long live African!!
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Martyrs of the Rule of Law image from the Judicial Services of Ghana
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