Introduction

In the realm of political leadership, few challenges are as insidious as complacency in governance. David Ofosu-Dorte, a distinguished legal strategist and Senior Partner at AB & David Africa, recently issued a stark warning to Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His message was clear: the greatest threat to the government’s success is not external criticism but its own potential for complacency.

Speaking at the Crystal Ball Africa 2026 program at Labadi Beach Hotel, Ofosu-Dorte emphasized that while early achievements are commendable, sustained progress requires vigilance. This article explores the implications of his warning, the NDC’s recent accomplishments, and the strategies needed to avoid the pitfalls of complacency in leadership.

Key Points

Background

The NDC’s Return to Power

President John Dramani Mahama’s return to office in January 2025 marked a pivotal moment for Ghana. The NDC’s victory was built on promises of economic recovery, social equity, and governance reform. Central to their platform was the “Social Contract with Ghana”, a commitment to addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.

Early Achievements Under the “Reset” Agenda

The first year of Mahama’s presidency, dubbed the “Reset Year,” saw remarkable progress:

• Fiscal discipline: Inflation was reduced from 23.8% to 6.3% by November 2025.
• Debt transformation: Public debt decreased from 61.8% to 45.0% of GDP in just 10 months.
• Infrastructure development: The “$10 billion Big Push” initiative launched major projects, including the Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP).
• Social interventions: Policies like the “No-Academic-Fee” program for tertiary students and MahamaCares healthcare initiative were implemented.
• Tax reliefs: The abolition of the COVID-19 Levy, E-Levy, and Betting Tax eased business operations.

Analysis: The Danger of Complacency in Governance

Psychological Responses to Success and Failure

Ofosu-Dorte’s warning underscores a critical psychological dynamic in leadership: how leaders respond to success or failure often determines their long-term effectiveness. He noted:

“When you fail, it can either make you despondent or ignite a ‘starting again’ spirit. When you succeed, it can either spur you onward or make you complacent. Either way, it’s not the event—your success or failure—but your response to it.”

This insight aligns with organizational psychology, where complacency in leadership is recognized as a silent killer of progress. Success can create a false sense of security, leading to stagnation.

The “Reset” Agenda: A Double-Edged Sword

The NDC’s “Reset” agenda has been a resounding success in its first year. However, Ofosu-Dorte cautions that resting on these laurels could undermine future progress. The challenge lies in transitioning from short-term wins to sustainable, systemic change.

Key areas requiring continued focus include:

• Economic stability: Maintaining fiscal discipline while fostering growth.
• Infrastructure sustainability: Ensuring long-term funding and execution of projects.
• Social equity: Expanding programs like MahamaCares without compromising quality.

Practical Advice: Avoiding Complacency in Leadership

Strategies for Sustained Momentum

To mitigate the risks of complacency, Ofosu-Dorte and governance experts recommend the following strategies:

1. Set incremental goals: Break long-term objectives into measurable milestones to maintain urgency.
2. Foster a culture of accountability: Regularly review progress and hold leaders responsible for outcomes.
3. Encourage innovation: Avoid resting on past successes by continuously seeking improvements.
4. Engage stakeholders: Maintain open dialogue with citizens, businesses, and international partners.

Lessons from Global Leaders

History offers valuable lessons on the perils of complacency. For instance:

• Singapore’s economic transformation: Lee Kuan Yew’s relentless focus on progress prevented stagnation.
• Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery: Paul Kagame’s leadership emphasized continuous reform.

Ghana can draw from these examples to ensure its “Accra Reset” initiative remains dynamic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is complacency in governance?

Complacency in governance refers to a state where leaders become overly satisfied with past achievements, leading to reduced urgency and innovation. This can result in stagnation or even regression.

Why is complacency dangerous for the NDC?

For the NDC, complacency could derail the momentum of the “Reset” agenda, risking economic instability, social dissatisfaction, and lost opportunities for global leadership.

How can Ghana sustain its economic progress?

Sustaining progress requires maintaining fiscal discipline, investing in infrastructure, and expanding social programs while ensuring transparency and accountability.

What is the “Accra Reset” initiative?

The “Accra Reset” is a global health governance reform initiative introduced by President Mahama at the 80th UN General Assembly. It aims to empower nations toward self-determination in health policies.

Conclusion

David Ofosu-Dorte’s warning to President Mahama serves as a timely reminder of the dangers of complacency in leadership. While the NDC’s early achievements are impressive, the true test lies in sustaining this momentum. By adopting strategies to avoid complacency—such as setting incremental goals, fostering accountability, and encouraging innovation—Ghana can solidify its position as a leader in governance and economic reform.

The “Reset” agenda is not just a one-year plan but a foundation for long-term transformation. As Ofosu-Dorte aptly put it, the response to success is what ultimately defines a leader’s legacy.