The Director of Operations of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Divine Nkrumah, has lauded former President John Dramani Mahama for candidly admonishing his appointees to remember to deliver on their mandate.
Nkrumah noted that Mahama’s remarks to his appointees during a swearing in ceremony were not only timely but also a necessary reminder to the new ministers about the responsibilities of public office.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the Angel Morning Show (AMS), Divine Nkrumah emphasized that one of the most profound moments of the ceremony was Mahama’s warning to his appointees to avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous government.
“Mahama’s reminder to his appointees not to take Ghanaians for granted was refreshing and a step in the right direction,” he said.
Nkrumah stressed the importance of humility and respect in public service.
“Holding a ministerial position is a privilege, not an opportunity to lord over others. It’s about service to the people, not power. The ministers must avoid arrogance and treat Ghanaians with dignity,” he stated.
He further highlighted that public office is about serving the citizens who placed their trust in the government.
“Ministers must understand that they are public servants, and their primary role is to deliver on the promises made to Ghanaians. They should not view their positions as signs of superiority but rather as opportunities to make a positive impact,” Nkrumah added.
Taking a swipe at the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, Nkrumah criticized its leadership for what he described as a display of arrogance and insensitivity.
“The NPP government was marked by an arrogance of power. Many appointees acted as though they were better than the people they were supposed to serve, and this attitude alienated Ghanaians,” he said.
He also criticized the leadership style of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who he said was as arrogant as his ministers.
“Leadership by example is critical. Unfortunately, Akufo-Addo often came across as dismissive and snobbish. Instead of calming tensions and addressing issues thoughtfully, his comments were sometimes perceived as rude and insensitive, which trickled down to his ministers,” Nkrumah remarked.
Divine Nkrumah concluded by urging the newly sworn-in ministers to adopt a different approach under Mahama’s leadership. “This is a new opportunity to restore faith in governance. The ministers must lead with humility, respect, and dedication to the people of Ghana,” he said.
The remarks highlight the need for public officials to prioritize service over power and to always act in the best interests of the citizens they serve.
