Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Advisor and aide to President John Dramani Mahama, has expressed agreement with public sentiment that former President Nana Akufo-Addo should have stepped down after completing his first term in office.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, December 19, 2025, Ms Bawah argued that although Akufo-Addo assumed office with considerable goodwill, his administration quickly lost focus by devoting much of its early years to criticising the achievements and shortcomings of his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama.
She cited the Meridian Port Services (MPS) expansion project at Tema Port as a prime example of an initiative that faced heavy criticism from the Akufo-Addo government but has since proven to be a major success.
Ms Bawah emphasised that true leadership requires responsibility and accountability, qualities she believes were lacking in the previous administration.
The presidential aide also turned her attention to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, criticising him for failing to accept personal responsibility for key financial decisions, particularly those that contributed to Ghana’s high debt levels.
She highlighted the significant borrowing undertaken during his tenure, often at high commercial rates, and questioned the long-term viability of such debts if applied to a private business context.
Ms Bawah described it as troubling that a former minister with such critical responsibilities would resist scrutiny or investigations into his actions while in office.
She stressed that holding the position of Finance Minister entails one of the highest levels of public responsibility, and former occupants should willingly appear to explain or defend their decisions when called upon by subsequent governments.
According to her, public office is not merely about exercising authority but fulfilling a duty to citizens, and ministers swear an oath that binds them to serve with faithfulness and diligence.
She argued that accountability does not end upon leaving office, adding that former ministers should feel compelled to clear their names or provide explanations for their actions.