President-elect John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern warning to potential appointees in his incoming administration, cautioning them to be prepared for diligent and humble service or risk being excluded from his government.  

Speaking at a thanksgiving service held at the Ringway Gospel Assemblies of God Church in Osu, Accra, Mahama expressed gratitude for his victory in the December 7, 2024, elections and shared his vision for the road ahead. 

Reflecting on the lessons from Ghana’s political history, Mahama drew a vivid parallel to the defeat of the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, suggesting that the same judgment could await those in his administration who fail to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people.  

“And so, just as our colleagues in the NPP might be feeling very pained by their loss, it should serve as a lesson to those of us coming into government that the same stick that Takyi has been beaten with, Ghanaian people are reserving it for Baah,” Mahama remarked. 

In a pointed message to individuals lobbying for appointments, the president-elect said, “I’ve been receiving knocks on my door, receiving text messages, people who are considering themselves for various positions, and I just want to warn them it’s not going to be a walk in the park. 

He emphasized that only those committed to serving Ghana with diligence, modesty, and humility would find a place in his administration. “If you’re not prepared to work and serve the people of Ghana diligently and modestly and with humility, then don’t come,” he said firmly.  

Mr. Mahama also reflected on his political journey, attributing his rise from Deputy Minister to President to divine guidance. “My political journey has been a divine one, and I believe that God has guided my step each way until now, from being a Deputy Minister, to being a Minister, to being a Vice President, to being a President,” he said.  

He acknowledged moments of doubt in his career but credited faith for giving him the strength to continue. “At each step, I have doubted whether there was a path that I wanted to carry on. But God has gently continued to push me and showed me in the direction that He wants me to go. And I know that it’s Him who has put me through a time like this, to do His work,” Mr. Mahama added. 

Mr. Mahama secured a decisive victory in the recent elections, defeating Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia with 56.6% of the vote. He is set to announce his cabinet after being sworn into office on January 7, 2025.