Raymond Edem Tamakloe, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, has emphasized that former President John Dramani Mahama should be recognized as a nation builder rather than merely a problem fixer.
Speaking on Think Tv's political talk show, SE NO PEI, Mr. Tamakloe argued that Mahama’s leadership transcended the immediate challenges he inherited, showcasing a visionary approach that laid the foundation for long-term national development.
“When you elect someone into the office of leadership, the expectation is that they will rise to the occasion, finding solutions to the problems that arise, no matter how unexpected. Leadership is not about offering excuses or claiming unpreparedness; it’s about innovatively addressing the challenges at hand,” Tamakloe stated.
He reflected on the challenges Mahama faced during his presidency, particularly the power crisis known as "Dumsor."
Mr. Tamakloe acknowledged that dumsor was a longstanding issue that predated Mahama’s tenure, even persisting during Former President Kufuor’s administration.
He pointed out that Former President Kufuor's government approach involved assembling pastors to pray at Akosombo, a solution that did little to resolve the underlying issues.
“In contrast, when President Mahama came into office, he committed to finding a long-lasting solution to the power crisis. He didn’t just promise; he delivered. He invested massively in the energy sector, bringing in Karpowerships, the Ameri Plant, and, crucially, developing the Atuabo Gas Plant"
"This plant alone generates revenue of around 300 million dollars annually. Mahama’s approach wasn’t just about fixing Dumsor; it was about strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure for the future,” Tamakloe emphasized.
Mr. Tamakloe also highlighted the economic challenges Mahama faced, particularly the plummeting prices of Ghana’s key exports—gold, cocoa, and oil—on the international market.
These exogenous factors severely impacted the nation’s revenue, slashing expected incomes in half.
Yet, according to Tamakloe, Mahama did not shy away from these challenges.
He didn’t return to the Ghanaian people with excuses or scaled-back promises.
Instead, he sought innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of these economic downturns.
“Despite these financial constraints, President Mahama’s administration made significant investments in infrastructure. He didn’t just focus on immediate fixes but worked towards building a robust foundation for future development"
"The infrastructural projects initiated during his tenure were unprecedented in scale and impact,” Tamakloe noted.
He went on to argue that Mahama’s legacy should be viewed through the lens of nation-building.
His efforts were not just about addressing the crises of the moment but about laying the groundwork for sustained national growth.
According to Tamakloe, Mahama’s leadership demonstrated a commitment to the long-term development of Ghana, ensuring that future generations would benefit from the infrastructure and systems he put in place.
“John Dramani Mahama is not just a fixer; he is a nation builder. His vision extended beyond solving immediate problems"
"He worked tirelessly to position Ghana on a path of sustained progress, and that is the hallmark of true leadership,” Tamakloe concluded.
This narrative underscores Mahama’s role as a transformative leader, whose contributions to Ghana’s development went beyond temporary solutions, focusing instead on building a stronger, more resilient nation.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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