A Presidential Aide at the Office of the Minister of State for Special Initiatives in the Office of the President, Mr Mahama Haruna has called on government appointees from the Savannah Region to make themselves more accessible and responsive to their people at the grassroots.
In a Facebook post, Mr Haruna acknowledged that H.E. John Dramani Mahama has appointed a number of individuals from his home region to key positions in government. However, he stressed that representation alone is not enough if it does not translate into real opportunities and tangible development for the people.
According to him, there is growing concern among residents of the Savannah Region and Gonja communities that some appointees appear more accessible to outsiders than to their own people.
“At this critical moment, there is a growing and undeniable concern that some of we those from Savannah Region or Gonjalanders in high office appear more accessible to outsiders than to our own people. Our doors seem open to all, except fellow Gonjas or people from Savannah Region. This must change,” he stated.
Mr Haruna emphasised that leadership goes beyond occupying positions of authority, noting that it comes with a responsibility to remain connected to one’s roots and communities.“Our people cannot continue to celebrate our appointments while remaining disconnected from the very officials expected to understand their challenges and aspirations,” he added.
He further argued that the promise of representation would be meaningless if appointees failed to ensure engagement, opportunity, and visible development for their communities.
The Presidential Aide also cautioned that while President Mahama has demonstrated trust by opening leadership opportunities for individuals from the region, history would judge appointees who fail to use their positions to benefit their people.“History will not judge him for extending the opportunity. Rather, it will judge we those he entrusted with responsibility who failed to translate that trust into meaningful service,” he noted.
Mr Haruna urged his colleagues in government to view their appointments as a privilege and a responsibility, stressing that leadership is ultimately about service.He called for reflection among appointees to ensure accessibility, fairness and commitment to the communities that share in their identity and hopes. “This is a moment for reflection,” he concluded.
Source: nkilgifm.com
