Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has described President John Dramani Mahama as the most prepared leader Ghana has ever had, citing his long political journey from grassroots to the highest office.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show with Kwaku Nhyira Addo on Monday, June 17, Otchere-Darko said:
“I think the current president is probably the most prepared president we’ve had. From assemblyman all the way to where he is now – vice president, president, you’ve been in opposition, seen who your real friends are, learned from your mistakes, identified missed opportunities, and now you’ve been given another chance.”
Otchere-Darko highlighted the heavy expectations the youth have placed on Mahama, especially in light of his 24-hour economy promise.
“The youth are unforgiving. They want jobs. They voted for you because they expect their aspirations to be met by your 24-hour economy policy and other promises,” he noted.
According to him, the pressures of the digital age make governance more complex:
“Satisfying them in this world of social media, new media, where every government action is overexposed and exaggerated, is a huge challenge.”
He further stressed that while it is not the government’s duty to hand opportunities to citizens directly, it must create the conditions necessary for individuals to thrive.
“Your role is not to fulfill people’s aspirations directly, but to create the enabling environment for them to pursue those aspirations,” Otchere-Darko added. “If the government does that – creating space and opportunity – the youth must also put in the hard work to realise their goals.”
