What Mahama told Yegbonwura over the selection of government appointees

President-Elect John Dramani Mahama has opened up on the challenges of making government appointments following an election.

Speaking at a mini durbar at the Damongo Palace during a courtesy visit to the Yegbonwura, Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I on December 27, 2024, Mahama noted that selecting competent individuals for cabinet positions, those who prioritise the nation's interests and can contribute to good governance and effective administration requires God’s divine intervention.

He stated that it is impossible to fully understand people's true intentions and plans for the country, making it difficult to identify the right individuals for the job. This was his response to the Yegbonwura regarding the selection of his appointees to govern the country.

Mahama explained that he can only appoint the right individuals with God's guidance and direction, enabling him to choose those who can effectively and competently carry out their duties and govern the country for the benefit of its citizens.

“My father advised me that I cannot handle the country alone. I have to select people to support me in administering the country and so I should choose people who have a good heart and have the interest of Ghanaians at heart; I said that it is impossible to open the head of a human being to see what the person is thinking or to look into a person’s heart to know what their emotions are and so I pray that God gives me the sense of wisdom and discernment to be able to choose the right people to join me to be able to create economic prosperity for the people of Ghana,” he said.

Mahama has therefore called on clergy and traditional leaders to offer their prayers, asking for divine support to help his incoming administration govern the country effectively and improve its economic situation.

“I have appealed to our chiefs and Imams not to stop praying, they should continue praying. This is now the time we need the prayers the most so that we can look after Ghana. We all know our economy is in crisis, and there is hardship in the land so that we can work hard to turn our fortunes around and create prosperity and dignity for all Ghana’s people,” he added.

During his campaign, Mahama assured his commitment to running a lean government with only 60 appointees in order to reduce government expenditure.

MAG/BB