President John Mahama has issued a stark warning to leaders, urging them to carefully consider the real-life consequences of their decisions, particularly those affecting the financial security of citizens.

Speaking at a tribute for the late Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo, CEO of KAMA Group of Companies, he linked his passing to the devastating effects of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) introduced by the previous government.

He stressed that Dr. Addo was just one of thousands of Ghanaians whose lives were shattered by the controversial policy.

President Mahama painted a grim picture of pensioners and elderly citizens who, after years of hard work, were left impoverished and unable to afford basic necessities like medicine due to the DDEP.

“His death came to me as a shock, but it also reminds us that as leaders, our decisions have far-reaching consequences.

"KAMA was a household name, and his ordeal with the bond exchange was well-known because he spoke about it,” Mahama said.

“But beyond him, thousands of elderly individuals have had their pension funds wiped out. Many of them have either passed away or are sitting in their homes, suffering in silence, unable to afford even basic medical care.”

The former president used the occasion to demand greater accountability from those in power, urging leaders to place the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians above economic policies that inflict suffering.

“For me, the lesson here is clear: leaders must never forget that their decisions affect real lives. Governance is not just about numbers and policies—it is about people,” he emphasized.

President Mahama also offered condolences to Dr. Addo’s bereaved family, urging them to take solace in the lasting impact of their father’s legacy.

However, his message was clear: reckless decisions at the highest level of leadership can cost lives.