President John Mahama has reminded leaders that governance goes beyond economic figures and policies, emphasizing that every decision they make has real-life consequences for citizens.

Speaking at a tribute for the late Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo, CEO of KAMA Group of Companies, Mahama highlighted the human cost of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), linking it to the struggles faced by pensioners and elderly citizens.

“His death came to me as a shock, but it also reminds us that as leaders, our decisions have far-reaching consequences. KAMA was a household name, and his ordeal with the bond exchange was well-known because he spoke about it,” Mahama said.

He lamented how policies like the DDEP have devastated many Ghanaians, particularly pensioners who saw their life savings wiped out, leaving them in financial distress.

“But beyond him, thousands of elderly individuals have had their pension funds wiped out. Many of them have either passed away or are sitting in their homes, suffering in silence, unable to afford even basic medical care.”

The president stressed the need for accountability and responsible decision-making, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of citizens over rigid economic policies.

“For me, the lesson here is clear: leaders must never forget that their decisions affect real lives. Governance is not just about numbers and policies—it is about people,” he emphasized.

Mahama also expressed his condolences to Dr. Addo’s family, acknowledging his contributions to Ghana’s business landscape. However, he reiterated his warning that leadership decisions must always consider their human impact, as reckless policies can have dire consequences.