‘If You’re Tired, Leave Office for Someone Ready to Lead’ – Sammy Awuku Tells President Mahama

New Patriotic Party, NPP, National Organiser Sammy Awuku has issued a blunt challenge to President John Dramani Mahama, saying he should step aside if he is no longer up to the task of leading the country.

The comments came on  2026, during a session in Parliament where Awuku criticized the government’s handling of recent floods that have displaced residents in parts of Accra and other regions.

Addressing the House, Awuku said Ghanaians expect decisive action from their leaders, especially during national emergencies such as flooding.

“If you’re tired, leave office for someone ready to lead,” he said. “Ghana cannot afford a government that is slow to respond when citizens are suffering.”

He argued that the Mahama administration has been reactive rather than proactive, pointing to delayed relief efforts, poor drainage management, and inadequate early warnings in flood-prone areas.

“Leadership is not about excuses. It is about showing up, taking responsibility, and delivering solutions when it matters most,” Awuku added.

Awuku’s remarks follow heavy rains that submerged homes, schools, and churches in Accra and other urban centres this week. Videos circulating online showed residents wading through floodwaters, with some places of worship, including Prophet Kumchacha’s Heaven’s Gate Ministries, reporting damage.

The NPP National Organiser accused the government of failing to invest in long-term flood mitigation. He cited blocked drains, unapproved developments in waterways, and weak enforcement of building regulations as recurring problems.

“Every rainy season, we see the same images. People lose property, businesses are disrupted, and lives are at risk. Yet the response is always the same press conferences and promises,” he said.

He called for an immediate audit of drainage infrastructure, faster release of relief materials through NADMO, and stronger collaboration with local assemblies to clear choked gutters before the peak of the rainy season.

The Mahama administration has acknowledged the flooding challenges and says it is working with the National Disaster Management Organisation, NADMO, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to provide relief and prevent further damage.

President Mahama has repeatedly said his government is committed to improving urban resilience and has budgeted for drainage works in vulnerable communities. Officials have also urged residents to avoid dumping refuse in drains and to heed weather warnings.

In recent weeks, the president has hinted at broader governance reforms, including discussions about extending political terms in Ghana to five years to allow more time for development projects to mature.

Awuku’s statement is the latest in a series of sharp exchanges between the NPP and the governing NDC ahead of Election 2024 preparations. As National Organiser, Awuku is one of the NPP’s key strategists and communicators, and his comments are often used to frame the party’s position on governance and accountability.

By targeting Mahama’s energy and readiness to lead, Awuku is seeking to contrast the NPP’s message of “ready leadership” with what he describes as fatigue within the current administration.

Political analysts say such language is typical of pre-election positioning, where opposition figures test the government’s responsiveness to public concerns.

The remark quickly generated discussion on social media and in Parliament’s lobby. Some Ghanaians agreed with Awuku, saying flood management has been poor for years and citizens deserve better. Others defended the president, arguing that flooding is a complex urban problem that no single government can fix overnight.

Civil society groups have used the moment to renew calls for non-partisan action on climate adaptation, urban planning, and waste management.

Accra’s flooding problem is not new. Poor drainage, rapid urbanization, and construction in wetlands have made many areas vulnerable each rainy season. Experts have long recommended sustained investment in stormwater systems, enforcement of zoning laws, and community education on waste disposal.

NADMO has warned that more rain is forecast in the coming days and has advised residents in low-lying areas to take precautions. The agency has also been coordinating the distribution of food, bedding, and medical supplies to affected households.