President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong reminder to government appointees that power is neither permanent nor personal, urging them to exercise authority with humility, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the Ghanaian people.
The President delivered this message during his First Anniversary Non-Denominational Thanksgiving Service held on Wednesday, January 7, at the forecourt of the Jubilee House. The occasion, he explained, was not only about gratitude but also about reflection and renewed commitment to ethical leadership and national service.
According to President Mahama, true thanksgiving must extend beyond words and ceremonial observances. It should inspire leaders to recommit themselves to ethical governance, national unity, and the protection of the most vulnerable members of society.
Looking ahead, he cautioned that the coming year would place significant demands on those entrusted with leadership. He noted that while the period ahead will test the resolve, patience, and discipline of government officials, it will also present valuable opportunities to strengthen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development.
The President stressed that leadership should always be viewed as stewardship rather than entitlement. Authority, he reminded appointees, is a temporary trust held on behalf of the people and must be exercised selflessly for the common good.
“Let us move forward with humility, let us lead with empathy, and let us govern with courage,” President Mahama said. “The year ahead will demand even more from us. It will test our resolve, patience, and discipline. But it will also offer us opportunities—to deepen the reforms we have started, to accelerate growth, and to ensure that development and progress touch every part of our country.”
He concluded by urging all public officials to remain mindful of the fleeting nature of power and to stay grounded in service, accountability, and compassion as they work to advance the nation’s collective aspirations.