As Ghana prepares for the polls on December 7, the political atmosphere is alive with activity—some moments are amusing, others shocking, but as a floating voter, I view them all through a critical lens. Today, I want to focus on leaders who take responsibility for their mistakes, because leadership is not just about speeches and promises; it’s about character, accountability, and integrity.

Recently, the spotlight has been on certain leaders making public blunders—innocent slips of the tongue during rallies or speeches. Mistakes are human, and everyone is prone to them. But what truly matters is how those mistakes are handled. Allow me to compare two examples that resonate deeply with me.

Case Study 1: H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

During a previous election rally, President Nana Addo mistakenly endorsed the opponent’s parliamentary candidate, saying, “Vote for Nii Lante Vanderpuye” (an NDC candidate) instead of his party’s candidate, Nii Lante Bannerman. The realization of his mistake was immediate. He stopped, corrected himself, and humorously admitted, “My mouth has done something bad—what would we use Nii Lante Vanderpuye for?”

In another instance, he accidentally referred to the "Nana Addo/Mahama-led government" instead of "Nana Addo/Bawumia-led government." Again, he paused, corrected himself, and even said, “This is unforgivable—can I retract this?” His response was swift, honest, and reflective of a leader who understands the weight of his words. It showed humility, accountability, and respect for the intelligence of the public.

Case Study 2: The Current NPP Running Mate

Fast forward to this election season, and the NPP's running mate for 2024 made a similar mistake. At a rally, he raised the hand of a parliamentary candidate and said, “If you vote for John Mahama, vote for this candidate.” The crowd corrected him, urging him to mention Bawumia instead, but he doubled down, repeating the same mistake.

Once he realized the blunder, instead of admitting it outright, he tried to defend and explain it away. It was painfully clear that he had made an error, yet he chose to obscure the truth rather than own up to it. This was not just disappointing—it was concerning.

Why This Matters

Leadership is not about being perfect; it is about responsibility. When a leader tries to cover up a mistake instead of addressing it directly, it speaks volumes about their character. If someone cannot be honest about a simple error, how can they be trusted to handle the weighty responsibilities of governance?

Ghana deserves leaders who call a spade a spade—leaders who are honest, transparent, and courageous enough to say, “I was wrong.” The presidency and vice presidency are not positions for games or ego-driven excuses. These roles require individuals who lead with integrity, inspire confidence, and take responsibility for their words and actions.

What Does This Say About Us?

As citizens, we cannot afford to fold our arms any longer. Our voices matter, and we must demand better from those who seek to lead us. Accountability is not optional—it is the bedrock of good governance. A leader who evades responsibility for their mistakes today will likely evade responsibility for bigger issues tomorrow.

As we approach the polls, let us reflect on the kind of leadership we want for Ghana. Mistakes are forgivable; dishonesty is not. I urge all political leaders, regardless of party, to lead responsibly. Admit your faults, correct them, and move forward with integrity. That is the leadership Ghana deserves.

To my fellow Ghanaians, let us vote wisely—not based on party loyalty, but on principles and the character of the individuals asking for our mandate. We hold the power, and it is time we use it to demand accountability from everyone who seeks to lead us.

Let us be the change we want to see.

#VoteResponsibly #LeadershipMatters #Election2024