Speaking to Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Amoabeng described President Mahama as a “fantastic” leader, exceptionally prepared through his experience as Member of Parliament, Vice President, President, and opposition leader.
However, he argued that the president’s effectiveness is curtailed by the broader political environment and entrenched mindsets within government.
According to Amoabeng, Ghana’s primary development challenge is not a lack of competent leadership but the political culture that incentivizes personal gain over public service.
According to Amoabeng, Ghana’s primary development challenge is not a lack of competent leadership but the political culture that incentivizes personal gain over public service.
He said many officials in government and parliament prioritize recouping their campaign investments, weakening the president’s capacity to enforce accountability and implement reforms.
“The most important limitation to development is the mindset of those around the president,” he explained.
“The most important limitation to development is the mindset of those around the president,” he explained.
“Even when leaders try to introduce discipline or reforms, they encounter resistance from individuals focused on personal gain rather than national progress.”
Amoabeng highlighted that Ghana’s political system is designed to reward patronage, making it difficult for leaders to rely on teams fully aligned with their vision.
Amoabeng highlighted that Ghana’s political system is designed to reward patronage, making it difficult for leaders to rely on teams fully aligned with their vision.
He stressed that strong leadership requires consistent enforcement of rules, noting examples from countries like Singapore and China, where strict sanctions are applied to curb corruption.
“Sanctioning is a big part of leadership. Apply the rules even if it’s your father,” he said.
While praising President Mahama’s experience and preparedness, Amoabeng noted that the constraints of the system limit his ability to enact meaningful change.
“Sanctioning is a big part of leadership. Apply the rules even if it’s your father,” he said.
While praising President Mahama’s experience and preparedness, Amoabeng noted that the constraints of the system limit his ability to enact meaningful change.
He called for a focus on reshaping the political culture, insisting that progress depends not only on leadership ability but on cultivating accountability and integrity throughout government structures.