Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zongo Development Fund, Alhaji Halidu Haruna, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and ability to tackle some of Ghana’s most complex national challenges, emphasising that effective governance means providing solutions that make life easier and more bearable for citizens.

Speaking on the JoyNews' AM Show on Wednesday, March 18, Mr Haruna said a government that claims nothing can be done in the face of problems does not deserve to be in power. He noted that governance should focus on resolving issues and alleviating the burdens of citizens rather than ignoring pressing challenges.

He highlighted the political nature of the petroleum sector in Ghana, noting that it has often been treated as a “political football” depending on which party is in power.

“In this country, the petroleum sector over the years has become like a political football, depending on which government is in power. I recall during former President Kufuor’s period, when petroleum products increased, you had some leading members of my party. That has been the history within the petroleum sector.”

Mr Haruna commended President Mahama’s decision to confront challenges directly, particularly his implementation of the deregulation policy in the petroleum sector, which allowed prices to be determined by market forces.

“His president, John Dramani Mahama, decided that no, there is a need for us to address that issue and confront it head-on. And therefore, he decided to implement the deregulation policy, where, depending on the factors that determine prices, the variations will determine the price. So he left it to the market forces.”

The CEO described the policy as a bold decision that reflected President Mahama’s readiness to tackle difficult issues.

“That is a bold decision taken by President Mahama. So he has a track record of resolving the most difficult issues that confront us as a state. And I think that he deserves to be commended.”

Mr Haruna also pointed to President Mahama’s proactive leadership during the national electricity crisis, popularly referred to as Dumsor.

“He indicated before the people's representatives in parliament that he's in to fix problems. And in fact, when Dumsor came up under his watch, he beat his chest and said that he, John Dramani Mahama, will fix it. And indeed, by the time the people of this country decided to vote against him, he had fixed the problems.”

According to Mr Haruna, President Mahama’s tenure exemplifies the essence of strong governance: confronting challenges head-on, implementing practical solutions, and delivering results that improve the lives of citizens, even under difficult circumstances.