Don’t be swayed by the praises from people who criticised you, implement the ORAL report – Prof Gyampo tells Mahama

Professor Ransford Gyampo

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers' Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to remain resolute and not allow recent praise from former critics to distract him from his core mandate, recovering funds allegedly misappropriated under the previous administration.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, June 21, Prof. Gyampo cautioned the president against being overly influenced by newfound admiration from individuals who once opposed him.

“Mahama is being touted with accolades from some people who had criticised him severely. Whether Mahama's accolades are touted or not, the report of the ORAL will be implemented,” Prof. Gyampo stated.

He made it clear that recovering state funds must remain a top priority, regardless of the growing chorus of praise for the president’s leadership.

“Regardless of whatever people say about him, that he is doing well, that he is the most prepared president, we will collect our money, even if you praise him or you don't praise him. President should not be swayed by these things,” he said.

His comments followed a public statement made by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who described President Mahama as “probably the most prepared president we've had.”

Speaking on Asaase Radio earlier in the week, Mr. Otchere-Darko acknowledged the former president’s long career path through local government, parliament, the vice presidency, and the presidency, along with his experience in opposition, as a rare and valuable political education.

“I think the current president is probably the most prepared president we've had. From assemblyman all the way to where he is now, vice president, president, you've been in opposition, seen who your real friends are, learned from your mistakes, identified missed opportunities, and now you've been given another chance,” he said.

Despite the glowing endorsement, Mr. Otchere-Darko also issued a word of caution, emphasizing that President Mahama faces intense pressure, particularly from Ghana’s youth, to deliver on his bold campaign promises.

“The youth are unforgiving. They want jobs. They voted for you because they expect their aspirations to be met by your 24-hour economy policy and other promises. Satisfying them in this world of social media, new media, where every government action is overexposed and exaggerated, is a huge challenge,” he noted.

Prof. Gyampo’s remarks appear to reflect growing concern within policy circles that political flattery could derail the administration’s commitment to holding former officials accountable and implementing reforms proposed by the Office of Recovery and Asset Litigation (ORAL).