President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned his ministerial appointees that non-performance will not be tolerated, urging them to prioritise results and deliver on the expectations of Ghanaians.

He delivered the message on Thursday, April 24, 2025, during the open day of a four-day Executive Leadership Programme for Ministerial Appointees.

President Mahama reminded participants that their appointments came with a responsibility to the electorate, who voted for a change in leadership.

“You were not appointed to occupy space. You were appointed to solve problems,” he said.

“The Ghanaian people expect us to deliver. And we must – not with excuses, but with results.”

Describing the programme as a starting point for reshaping the approach to governance, President Mahama said it was time to abandon ineffective methods.

“The business-as-usual approach will not work. Indeed, it is dead and we must bury it once and for all,” he told the gathering.

He said the event was not merely an orientation but an opportunity to build a shared vision around responsive and accountable leadership.

“We’re not here simply to orient ministers. We’re here to shape a collective mindset,” he noted.

President Mahama also pointed to the high expectations of ordinary citizens, especially the youth, farmers, and small business owners, many of whom he said have waited too long for meaningful change.

“Our young people are tired of waiting interminably. Our farmers, our workers, our entrepreneurs… want to live in dignity and prosperity,” he said.

He added that ministers must understand the urgency of their roles and warned that he would not hesitate to act against any appointee who falls short.

“Please remember, when any of us fall short, I will not hesitate to act,” he said.

The retreat is being held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. It is the first under the current administration and brings together ministers, development partners and members of the private sector.