Mahama: Public service must be guided by accountability and compassion
President John Dramani Mahama has called for public service in Ghana to be guided by accountability, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility, saying leadership must always place the welfare of citizens and public servants above personal interest.
Speaking at the National Interfaith Memorial Service marking the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, President Mahama said the tragic loss of eight distinguished Ghanaians should inspire leaders at every level to reflect on the weight of public office and the impact of their decisions.
“Today should also be a moment of reflection for all of us who are entrusted with leadership. Every decision we make affects lives. Every public office is ultimately a sacred trust,” the President said.
He stressed that true leadership is measured not by the authority one holds but by the responsibility to protect and improve the lives of those who serve the nation.
“Leadership is not measured merely by the authority we exercise, but by the responsibility we bear for the lives and welfare of those who serve our nation,” he stated.
President Mahama said the memory of the eight victims places a solemn obligation on government and state institutions to strengthen public systems, improve safety standards and invest in the welfare of personnel to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“Their memory imposes upon us a solemn obligation to build stronger institutions, to strengthen safety standards wherever necessary, to invest in the welfare of our personnel, and to ensure that no lesson from this tragedy will ever be forgotten,” he said.
He added that the greatest tribute to those who lost their lives would not be monuments, but a lasting commitment to responsible governance, improved systems and greater protection for those who dedicate their lives to serving Ghana.
Reflecting on the lives of the departed, President Mahama noted that although they came from different backgrounds and professions, they were united by a common commitment to God and country. He described their passing as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made every day by public servants who work under demanding conditions.
The President urged Ghanaians to recognise and appreciate the dedication of those who serve the nation, often at great personal sacrifice and away from their families.
He also extended the condolences of the government and the people of Ghana to the bereaved families, assuring them that the nation continues to mourn with them one year after the tragic accident.
President Mahama further encouraged citizens to draw strength from faith and national unity, describing the interfaith memorial service as a reflection of Ghana’s shared belief that every life has meaning beyond death.
