John Dramani Mahama, Ghana's President-elect, has opened up about the challenges he faces as he prepares to take office, particularly regarding the expectations of paramount chiefs across the country. In a heartfelt speech, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received in the recent elections while also sharing some of the lighthearted and serious moments that come with his new role.
Speaking during a public event, Mahama recalled how he had prayed for victory and was confident that his prayers would be answered. Reflecting on the election day itself, he described the moment he cast his vote and faced questions from journalists eager to capture his thoughts.
“When I went to vote, after casting my ballot, the media surrounded me with their microphones and cameras. One of them asked, ‘Now that you’ve voted, do you think you will win?’ I said, ‘Yes, I believe we will win the election.’ That was my honest belief,” he recounted.
He shared how another journalist followed up with a question about the parliamentary elections, asking if he expected his party to win a majority. “I told them, ‘Well, I project that we’ll win at least 150 seats.’ But you know what? God showed me that I was thinking too small. He said, ‘You’re talking about 150 seats? I’ll give you more than that!’ And today, here we are with so many Members of Parliament that I don’t even know what to do with all of them,” Mahama said with a smile.
As the crowd laughed at his remarks, Mahama shifted to a more serious tone, addressing the pressures he faces from various paramount chiefs who supported him during his campaign. According to him, chiefs in nearly every constituency he visited had a similar request: they wanted their sons or representatives to be appointed as ministers in his government.
“During my campaign, every place I visited, the paramount chiefs would say, ‘We will vote for you, but when we do, you must make our son a minister.’ And now that the elections are over, they’re reminding me of their promises,” Mahama shared.
The President-elect, however, reiterated his commitment to running a lean government, emphasizing that he would not appoint more than 160 ministers, even in the face of these requests. “I’ve made it clear from the start that I won’t go beyond 160 ministers. That’s the promise I made to Ghanaians, and I intend to keep it. But you see, every paramount chief wants their son to be included. It’s not an easy task,” he explained.
Mahama expressed his belief that with God’s guidance, he would be able to navigate these challenges and make decisions that would benefit the country as a whole. “God will guide us. He always has a way of making things work out in the best way possible. I trust that he will help us build a government that serves all Ghanaians,” he added.
His comments have sparked widespread discussion among Ghanaians, with many weighing in on social media. The video of his speech, shared by Citi FM on Instagram, has garnered significant attention, with people praising Mahama’s honesty and humor while others debated the feasibility of his plans.
One user commented, “It’s refreshing to see a leader openly talk about the pressures of governance. I hope he sticks to his promise of limiting the number of ministers.” Another wrote, “This is why I love Mahama—he’s relatable and honest. But I hope he doesn’t compromise on efficiency by appointing too many ministers.”
Others joked about the chiefs’ requests, with one saying, “It seems every chief has a ‘minister in waiting.’ Mahama has his work cut out for him!”
The President-elect’s comments also highlight a broader issue in Ghanaian politics: the balance between managing expectations from influential figures like chiefs and fulfilling promises made to the general public. While chiefs play a significant role in mobilizing support for political candidates, Mahama’s determination to prioritize national interest over individual demands is likely to resonate with many voters.
As Mahama prepares to take office, his speech serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership. Beyond the campaign trail, the real work begins—building a government that reflects the will of the people while managing the intricate web of relationships and expectations that come with the role.
For now, Ghanaians await the official announcement of his cabinet, eager to see how he balances these competing interests while staying true to his vision of a lean and effective government. Mahama’s ability to navigate this delicate process will undoubtedly shape public opinion and set the tone for his administration.
The journey ahead may not be easy, but Mahama’s confidence, humility, and faith suggest that he is ready to take on the challenge.
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