By On Thursday, April 24, 2025, President John Mahama officially opened a four-day executive leadership program for ministerial appointees in Ada, Ghana, a significant event aimed at enhancing the capacity of government officials. The initiative, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also saw the attendance of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, underscoring its regional importance.
This move comes as part of Mahama’s broader strategy to strengthen governance following his inauguration on January 7, 2025. However, the program has sparked a range of reactions from Ghanaians, reflecting the polarized sentiment toward Mahama’s leadership amidst ongoing national challenges.
A New Chapter for Ghanaian Governance
The executive leadership program, as announced by GHOne TV on X, is designed to equip ministerial appointees with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of governance in Ghana. President Mahama, who returned to power after winning the 2024 general elections, has been steadily appointing key figures to his administration.
In January 2025, he named several regional ministers and ministers of state, including Eduamoah Okyere for Gomoa East, Wilbert Brentum, and Joseph Nelson, as reported by BBC News Pidgin. These appointees, many of whom bring impressive academic and professional credentials, are part of Mahama’s vision to reset and reform governance in Ghana.
The program in Ada, held in collaboration with the UNDP, aims to foster leadership excellence among these appointees. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s presence highlights the program’s significance, as it aligns with broader African efforts to improve governance and public administration. According to a report by 3news.com, the event marks a collaborative effort to ensure that government officials are well-prepared to address the country’s pressing issues.
Why This Program Matters
Ghana has faced numerous challenges in recent years, from economic instability to recurring power outages that have plagued businesses and households alike. The power crisis, often referred to as Dumsor, was a significant factor in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) losing the 2016 election under Mahama’s leadership.
The issue remains a sore point for many Ghanaians, with recent outages in areas like Spintex prompting frustration. Aba Malm, a manager at Amazing Grace Clinic in Accra, told The Africa Report, “They should publish a schedule like we had during the John Mahama time so that we can prepare ourselves well and save our machines and appliances.”
In this context, the executive leadership program can be seen as an attempt to address systemic governance issues by ensuring that appointees are better equipped to tackle such challenges. By focusing on capacity building, Mahama aims to avoid the pitfalls of his previous administration and deliver on his campaign promises.
The involvement of the UNDP also signals a commitment to international best practices, which could help Ghana address long-standing issues like the power crisis, healthcare inefficiencies, and economic disparities.
Public Reactions: A Divided Response
The announcement of the leadership program, shared by GHOne TV on X, quickly garnered attention, amassing a variety of responses from Ghanaians. While some see the initiative as a step in the right direction, others have been quick to criticize it, reflecting the deep divisions in public sentiment toward Mahama’s presidency.
Positive Sentiments: A “La Masia” for Ghanaian Leaders?
Some Ghanaians expressed optimism about the program. A user with the handle @GhAbuoden commented, “Finally we will have La Masia for some of our Leaders,” drawing a comparison to the renowned FC Barcelona youth academy known for producing world-class talent. This analogy suggests that the program could serve as a training ground for future leaders, potentially fostering a new generation of effective policymakers in Ghana.
The involvement of a figure like Goodluck Jonathan also lends credibility to the initiative, as his experience as a former head of state could provide valuable insights for Ghanaian appointees.
Criticism: A Waste of Resources?
However, not everyone is convinced of the program’s value. Several X users voiced their frustration, arguing that the initiative is ill-timed given Ghana’s pressing challenges. @funeral_jollof remarked, “waste of resources. time no dey for training my guy!” Similarly, @_Kwamenafante stated, “Lol 😂 It’s too late,” suggesting that the program might not address the immediate needs of Ghanaians.
Others were more direct in their criticism of Mahama’s leadership. @FlashRose11 wrote, “Very stupid president ever….. You came to make Ghana a poor country…..is your brother and family more important to you than giving Ghanaians what they want and need…”
These criticisms echo broader discontent with Mahama’s administration, particularly around issues like the power crisis and economic hardship. The sentiment is compounded by historical grievances, as Mahama’s previous term was marred by the Dumsor crisis, which led to widespread protests and contributed to his 2016 election loss. For many Ghanaians, the leadership program feels like a misstep when more urgent problems remain unresolved.
Contextualizing the Program Amidst Other Developments
The executive leadership program is just one of several recent initiatives under Mahama’s administration. On the same day, April 24, 2025, other significant announcements were made, reflecting the government’s multifaceted approach to governance.
Passport Reforms: A Step Toward Efficiency
Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, a prominent Ghanaian politician, announced a series of passport reforms set to take effect on April 28, 2025. These include the introduction of chip-embedded passports, 24-hour operations, direct passport delivery via courier, an e-tracking system, delivery within 15 days, and a reduction in application fees from GHS500 to GHS350 (pending parliamentary approval).
Ablakwa emphasized, “When we promise, we deliver,” highlighting the government’s commitment to improving public services. These reforms could alleviate long-standing frustrations with the passport application process, making it more efficient and accessible for Ghanaians.
Health Minister’s Statement: Addressing Tensions
Also on April 24, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh addressed concerns about tensions with medical officers, stating, “I have no intention to disrespect any medical officer; let it be however noted that the respect is reciprocal.” This statement, reported by GHOne TV, comes amid broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Ghana, a sector that has faced criticism for inefficiencies and underfunding.
National Service and Military Training
In another development, Joy 99.7 FM reported that military training for National Service personnel is set to begin in August 2025. This initiative, aimed at instilling discipline and patriotism among the youth, reflects the government’s focus on long-term nation-building. However, it has also raised questions about resource allocation, especially given the economic challenges facing the country.
Challenges Ahead: Can Mahama Deliver?
While the executive leadership program and other initiatives signal Mahama’s intent to reset governance in Ghana, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The power crisis remains a critical issue, with businesses and households struggling to cope with frequent outages.
Nana Amoasi VII of the Institute for Energy Securities told The Africa Report that the problem has worsened recently, despite government denials. This ongoing crisis could undermine public confidence in Mahama’s administration if not addressed swiftly.
Moreover, economic pressures, including inflation and unemployment, continue to weigh heavily on Ghanaians. The leadership program, while a positive step, will need to translate into tangible outcomes for citizens to regain trust in the government. As @qw3qu_dee noted on X, “H333r what a leader,” a sentiment that Mahama will hope to build on through effective policy implementation.
Conclusion: A Test of Leadership
President Mahama’s launch of the executive leadership program for ministerial appointees is a commendable effort to strengthen governance in Ghana. By investing in the capacity of his appointees, Mahama is laying the groundwork for more effective policymaking. However, the initiative’s success will depend on its ability to address the immediate needs of Ghanaians, particularly in areas like power supply, healthcare, and economic stability.
As Ghana navigates these challenges, public sentiment will play a crucial role in shaping Mahama’s legacy. Will this program mark the beginning of a new era of governance, or will it be seen as a missed opportunity amidst more pressing concerns? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on President Mahama’s leadership program? Do you think it’s a step in the right direction, or should the government focus on other priorities? Share your views in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on Ghana’s political landscape!
