Dr. Kobby Mensah, a respected political analyst and lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and the University of Ghana Business School, has highlighted five notable acts of good governance demonstrated by President John Dramani Mahama that deserve commendation. In a Facebook post on January 25, 2025, Dr. Mensah pointed out these often-overlooked achievements, urging Ghanaians to recognize and appreciate them.
He wrote, “Subtle things on good governance that President Mahama has done so far that needs to be applauded, but we haven’t paid attention. You can add yours.” Here are the five acts he mentioned:
1. Sticking with His Choice of Woman Vice President. Despite the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s massive loss in the 2016 elections, President Mahama maintained his trust in Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate. This decision, according to Dr. Mensah, signifies Mahama’s commitment to gender inclusivity and his belief in her capabilities, setting a progressive example for future leaders.
2. No Centralized Contract for Printing Presidential Photos. Breaking away from tradition, President Mahama refrained from awarding centralized contracts for printing his official photographs for government offices. Instead, he allowed institutions to handle this on their own. This move demonstrated fiscal responsibility and transparency, avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
3. Empowering Headmasters in School Feeding Programs. Recently, the presidency authorized headmasters of public senior high schools (SHSs) to purchase food directly for their schools for one month. This decentralization of the school feeding program has empowered schools to meet their unique needs, reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring smoother operations.
4. Respecting Chiefs’ Dignity During His Thank You Tour. During a visit to the Volta Region as part of his thank-you tour, President Mahama requested that chiefs remain seated when greeting him, rather than standing. This act of humility and respect for traditional authorities has been widely praised as a demonstration of cultural sensitivity.
5. Strict Stance Against Lateness. Dr. Mensah noted that President Mahama refused to swear in Gender Minister Designate Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey due to her lateness. This bold action underscores his commitment to discipline and time management in governance, setting high standards for public officials.
Screenshot of his post below
These subtle yet impactful actions by President Mahama reflect his dedication to good governance, accountability, and inclusivity. Dr. Kobby Mensah’s post has sparked conversations, with many Ghanaians expressing admiration for the president’s leadership style.
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