Why Gabby Otchere-Darko Believes Mahama Is Ghana’s Best-Prepared President

Gabby Otchere-Darko Calls President Mahama Ghana’s Most Prepared Leader Yet

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure in Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has praised President John Mahama as possibly the most prepared leader in the country’s political history. Speaking on Asaase Radio on Monday, Otchere-Darko highlighted Mahama’s impressive political journey, which spans from grassroots local government roles to the nation’s highest office.

“I think the current president is probably the most prepared president we’ve had,” Otchere-Darko said. “He started as an assemblyman and steadily rose through the ranks—vice president, then president. Along the way, he experienced opposition politics, learned who his true allies were, recognized mistakes, and identified opportunities he missed. Now, he has another chance to lead.”

Otchere-Darko’s comments underline the depth of experience Mahama brings to the presidency, setting him apart from many of his predecessors. This extensive political background, he suggests, equips Mahama to tackle the complexities of governance with a greater understanding.

However, Otchere-Darko also emphasized the unique challenges President Mahama faces, especially in meeting the expectations of Ghana’s youth. “The youth are unforgiving. They want jobs. They voted for him because of promises like the 24-hour economy and other policies designed to create opportunities,” he said. “In today’s age of social media and instant information, every government action is closely watched, often magnified and criticized. Delivering on these promises in such an environment is a huge challenge.”

Addressing the issue of employment, Otchere-Darko clarified the role of government in job creation. He argued that the government’s job is not to provide direct employment to everyone but to create an enabling environment where young people can build their own futures.

“The government’s role is to open doors—creating space, opportunities, and the right conditions for growth,” he explained. “But ultimately, the youth themselves must work hard and seize those opportunities to achieve their goals.”

This perspective offers a balanced view of leadership and responsibility. Otchere-Darko’s message encourages both the government and young Ghanaians to play their part in national development.

As Ghana looks toward the future under President Mahama’s leadership, these insights highlight the importance of experience, realistic expectations, and shared responsibility. The nation will be watching closely to see how this seasoned leader manages to navigate the challenges ahead and deliver on the promises that secured him another chance in office.