“Thousands of people are sending their CVs yet I promised only 60 ministers” – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged the immense pressure his administration is facing in the wake of thousands of people seeking appointments, despite his pledge to limit the number of ministers to just 60.

During a Presidential Dinner in Accra on January 8, 2025, Mahama spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing public expectations with effective governance. He revealed that while he committed to appointing only 60 ministers, his office has been inundated with CVs, placing significant strain on his government.

“You wouldn’t want to be in my shoes when you’ve promised to appoint only 60 ministers, yet thousands of people are sending in their CVs,” Mahama said. “Some people may be disappointed, but I will ensure that the needs of the people are met.”

Mahama emphasized that the success of his administration depends on contributions from all sectors of society, not just ministerial appointments. He acknowledged that while political power is important, the real measure of success lies in effectively addressing the needs of Ghanaians.

“The success of this administration will secure us another term, perhaps under a different leader. But we must get this right so that Ghanaians can continue to trust us,” he noted.

The President also advised his team to learn from the mistakes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), whose failure to meet public expectations led to a loss of trust. He warned that repeating those mistakes would be disastrous for the party’s future.

Despite the challenges, Mahama remains focused on fulfilling his promises, building trust, and ensuring a responsive government that listens to the people.

“There’s no use fighting for political power if we are coming to repeat the same mistakes,” Mahama concluded.