President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern reminder to his ministerial appointees that results, not mere attendance, will determine their success in office.

During the opening of a four-day Executive Leadership Programme on April 24, 2025, he emphasized that the positions they hold are grounded in public trust and the urgent demand for meaningful transformation.

Addressing the gathering, Mahama highlighted the importance of action over symbolism.

He made it clear that Ghanaians are not interested in officials who simply fill positions but want leaders who can bring real change.

“You were not appointed to occupy space. You were appointed to solve problems,” he said. “The Ghanaian people expect us to deliver. And we must – not with excuses, but with results.”

The leadership retreat, held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was described by the President as a critical moment to reset how governance is approached. He said it was not a traditional orientation, but rather an opportunity to build a new way of thinking and working. He urged his ministers to let go of outdated leadership models and commit to serving with renewed purpose. “The business-as-usual approach will not work. Indeed, it is dead and we must bury it once and for all,” Mahama stated.

He also appealed to the conscience of his appointees, pointing to the growing restlessness among the youth and frustration among farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs who are eager for better opportunities and improved livelihoods. These groups, he noted, are demanding leadership that listens and delivers.

Mahama didn’t shy away from issuing a warning. He made it clear that accountability would be central to his administration. Any minister who fails to meet expectations, he said, will be removed. “Please remember, when any of us fall short, I will not hesitate to act,” he concluded.

The programme brings together government officials, private sector players, and development partners to foster a unified approach to effective and responsible leadership under Mahama’s renewed administration.