
Dr. Paul Herzuah, Political/media communications expert & UniMAC lecturer
Dr. Paul Herzuah, a political and media communications expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), has questioned the sustainability of the goodwill President John Dramani Mahama is enjoying from Ghanaians in the long haul. He believes Mr Mahama’s overwhelming support in the recent elections signifies unprecedented confidence, but cautions that this goodwill comes with high expectations.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Statesman, Dr. Herzuah noted that President Mahama’s election victory, with a historic margin of 6,591,790 votes, representing 56.42% of the total votes cast, reflects the public’s overwhelming faith in his leadership. “This margin is one of the largest in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. It underscores the trust Ghanaians have placed in him,” Dr. Herzuah remarked.
However, he emphasised that goodwill alone would not suffice to sustain this trust over the next four years. “When elected into office, a leader’s primary duty is to deliver results. The public will ultimately judge your performance during the next election cycle,” he added.
Burden of high expectations
Dr. Herzuah expressed concerns about the challenges tied to Presudent Mahama’s victory, describing the goodwill as a “double-edged sword.” According to him, Ghanaians have high hopes for Mahama’s administration, and any failure to meet those expectations could lead to widespread dissatisfaction.
“It is a trap because when too much confidence is reposed in a leader, expectations skyrocket. If the President fails to deliver on his mandate, Ghanaians will remind him where political power lies,” he cautioned.
Gov’t formation
Dr. Herzuah also touched on the slow pace in forming the government. He stated that despite being elected over a month ago, President Mahama had appointed at least 25 individuals to key positions, including ministerial and national security roles, as he forms his government, which according to the lecturer “leaves much to be desired.”
“By now, at least, a significant portion of the cabinet should have been named. The current slow pace sends a negative signal and potentially raises doubt about the sense of urgency in getting his government formed quickly, given the enormity of work at hand,” the lecturer indicated.
Nominees appointed
As of January 16, 2025, President Mahama had made several key appointments to establish his administration. These included Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minister of Finance Designate; Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy Designate; and Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Designate. These nominations were announced on January 9, 2025.
Additionally, on January 14, 2025, President Mahama nominated 10 regional ministers, and has formally requested Parliament’s approval for these appointments.
He has also come out with his National Security appointments. Appointees include Prosper Douglas Bani, National Security Advisor; Kofi Boakye, Director of Operations at the Presidency and; Charles Kipo, Head of the National Intelligence Bureau. These appointments were announced on January 15, 2025.
12 more nominees
Yesterday, President Mahama submitted the names of 12 nominees to Parliament for consideration and vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament. The nominees included three Regional Ministers, namely Wilbert Petty Brentum, Western North Regional Minister Designate; Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, Central Regional Minister Designate, and nine sector Ministers, namely Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways Designate; Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture Designate.
The rest are Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection Designate; Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts Designate; Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Designate; George Opare-Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment; Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education Designate; Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs; and Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Designate.
Based on these list, Dr. Herzuah urged the President to expedite the process of assembling his ministerial team, and provide clarity on the leadership of key national institutions, including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). “Revoking the appointments of Chief Executives under the previous government is expected, but leaving the system in limbo for too long could create inefficiencies. His Excellency John Mahama needs to move faster in putting things together,” he stressed.
Mahama’s test of leadership
Dr. Herzuah further reminded President Mahama “there is a long road ahead to meeting the high expectations of Ghanaians”. “The time for excuses is over; this is the period for action. The President must rise to the occasion, fulfill his campaign promises, and justify the overwhelming trust that Ghanaians have placed in him,” he stated.
He added that as the country adjusted to its new leadership, the unfolding weeks and months would be critical in shaping the trajectory of the Mahama administration. “The President’s ability to address governance challenges, improve security, and deliver on his promises will ultimately determine whether he can retain the goodwill he currently enjoys,” he stressed.
