John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s President-elect, delivered a powerful message of servant leadership and national unity at a thanksgiving service held at the Assemblies of God Church in Accra on December 15, 2024. Fresh from his decisive victory in the December 7th elections, Mahama expressed deep gratitude to the Ghanaian people for their overwhelming support and acknowledged the weight of responsibility entrusted to him. He reflected on the transient nature of power, drawing on his personal experience of losing the 2016 election, a period he described as revealing the true nature of relationships and the fleeting allure of political office. The experience, he shared, instilled in him a profound understanding of the importance of humility and a deep commitment to serving the people, irrespective of the trappings of power.
Mahama’s reflections served as a foundation for his vision of leadership. He underscored the impermanence of political positions, highlighting the stark contrast between the throngs of people seeking access during his presidency and the quiet solitude that followed his electoral defeat in 2016. This experience, he emphasized, inoculated him against the intoxicating effects of power and reinforced his commitment to genuine service. He contrasted the temporary nature of accolades and attention received while holding office with the enduring value of family, true friends, and faith communities who remained steadfast in their support during challenging times. This, he suggested, is the foundation of genuine leadership – a commitment to the people, not the position.
The President-elect’s message resonated strongly with the idea of leadership as a call to service, not an opportunity for self-aggrandizement. He pledged to utilize his renewed mandate to address the pressing challenges facing Ghana and to work tirelessly for the betterment of all citizens. His vision of leadership transcends the enjoyment of privileges associated with high office and focuses on connecting with the realities and needs of the people. This commitment, he emphasized, is the driving force behind his return to the presidency and the core principle guiding his approach to governance.
Central to Mahama’s address was the call for national unity and collaboration. He emphasized the need for all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to work together to overcome the challenges facing the nation. This message of unity reflects the understanding that progress requires collective effort and a shared commitment to the common good. He stressed that the victory was not a personal triumph but a collective mandate to bring about meaningful change and improve the lives of all Ghanaians. This call for unity extends beyond political lines and embraces the diversity of Ghanaian society, urging everyone to contribute towards a shared national vision.
Mahama’s emphasis on unity and collaboration speaks to the importance of inclusive governance. He presented himself not as a triumphant victor, but as a servant leader entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the nation towards a brighter future. This perspective positions the presidency as a platform for facilitating collective action and empowering citizens to participate in the process of nation-building. His rhetoric emphasizes the interconnectedness of the nation’s well-being and the importance of shared responsibility in achieving national goals.
In essence, the President-elect’s thanksgiving address served as a declaration of his commitment to servant leadership, a reaffirmation of his dedication to the people of Ghana, and a powerful call for national unity. His reflections on the transient nature of power, coupled with his emphasis on the enduring values of service and humility, paint a picture of a leader determined to use his position to bring about positive change. His call for collaboration and unity signifies a commitment to inclusive governance, recognizing that the strength of a nation lies in the collective effort of its people. This address sets the tone for his upcoming term, emphasizing a focus on serving the needs of the Ghanaian people and working together towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity.
