A retired international diplomat, Michael Yaw Offei, has advised President-elect John Dramani Mahama to appoint a fresh team of appointees, distinct from those he worked with during his first tenure.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Tema on Tuesday, Mr. Offei attributed the significant defeat Mr. Mahama suffered in 2016, during his incumbency, to some of the individuals he had appointed into office.

"There is a saying that if you have been bitten by a snake before, you develop fear even for worms. I hope this holds true for former President John Mahama, whose challenges during his first term as President were largely caused by some of his appointees," he said.

"My advice to him is to keep all those former appointees at arm's length and bring in a brand-new batch of fresh appointees," added Mr. Offei, who is a lawn tennis enthusiast and a patron of the Tema Premier Tennis Club.

Michael Yaw Offei is also a retired economist with extensive experience working for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A respected senior citizen, his opinions on governance, financial, and fiscal matters carry considerable weight.

He commended Mr. Mahama for his leadership during his first term but criticized some of the younger, inexperienced appointees, stating that they had contributed to his challenges.

"It is the reason why we witnessed situations where a deputy minister, unfamiliar with managing resources, publicly declared her aspiration to make one million dollars," he remarked.

Mr. Offei urged the President-elect to consult widely and prioritize seasoned and experienced individuals from within the party for key appointments. "Experience is especially critical to reset the country during this period of economic challenges," he emphasized.

In addition, Mr. Offei extended his congratulations to Vice President-elect Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for her historic achievement as Ghana's first female Vice President.

"This historic milestone is particularly significant, as it coincides with the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law," he said, smiling warmly.

He lauded Prof. Opoku-Agyemang for breaking through another glass ceiling for Ghanaian women, describing her accomplishment as one that will remain etched in history.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang," Mr. Offei added.