President John Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption, warning that Ghanaians will not forgive political leaders if impunity is allowed to fester in public office.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the National Peace Council at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, December 10, President Mahama said democratic governance must deliver tangible opportunities and development to retain the confidence of citizens.

“For those of us who practice democratic governance, we must let our people have faith that democratic governance can deliver the kinds of opportunity and development that they are looking for,” he stated.

The President noted that public confidence in the political system had been waning, particularly among young people, in the period leading up to last year’s elections.

He observed growing cynicism, with many questioning the value of voting when it did not appear to translate into real improvements in their lives.

“You see a certain cynicism where young people said, even this voting is useless. I go and vote every four years, and I don’t see what difference it makes in our lives,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that restoring trust in leadership was central to his campaign message, warning that Ghana is not immune to instability if citizens lose faith in democratic institutions.

“One of my major campaign messages was that we have a last opportunity to keep the faith and trust of our people in the political elites. Otherwise, Ghana is not immune to coup d’états,” he cautioned.

He explained that his government is prioritising accountability as a means of rebuilding public confidence, both by ensuring transparency in its own conduct and by holding past and present public office holders responsible for abuse of power.

“I don't enjoy prosecuting people, but the people of Ghana will not forgive us if people develop impunity in terms of abusing the trust that people have put in them,” President Mahama said.

To that end, he said the government is strengthening the country’s anti-corruption framework by adequately resourcing key institutions.

“That is why we are resourcing the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the other anti-corruption institutions, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he added.