Accra: In the lead up to the 2024 General Election, then candidate John Dramani Mahama outlined an ambitious raft of plans to reset the country and put Ghana on the path of economic recovery and social transformation. In keeping with his promise after securing historic victory and taking office on January 7, 2025, President Mahama did not hesitate to deliver on his promise to the people in his first 120 days in office.
According to Ghana News Agency, in a document that follows the National Democratic Congress 2024 Manifesto, President Mahama outlined 26 deliverables that would facilitate the reset agenda, setting the tone for the implementation of policies in the NDC’s Manifesto. Notable among his promises was to nominate his Cabinet and constitute the leanest Government within 90 days in office. This was achieved as the President announced his 19-member cabinet on February 20, 2025, and has so far sworn into office 56 ministers, four short of the promised maximum of 60.
The President also fulfilled his promise of scrapping various levies, including the E-levy, COVID levy, 10 per cent levy on bet winnings, and Emissions levy. Additionally, President Mahama convened a National Economic Dialogue to discuss the economy and prepare a homegrown fiscal and monetary consolidation programme. A national consultative conference on Education was also held to build consensus on improvements to the sector.
Several key policy interventions have been implemented, including the Feed Ghana Programme, Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, One Million Coders Programme, Adwumawura Programme, and the National Apprenticeship Programme. Other rolled out policies include the establishment of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, and the Tree For Life Initiative aimed at planting seven million trees.
The Government has allocated seed money of GH?51.3 million for establishing the Women’s Development Bank to support Ghanaian women in business. President Mahama recently initiated the construction of a village on the Spintex road, near the Kotoka International Airport, to provide accommodation for Muslims embarking on Hajj.
On combating illegal mining, the Government has taken steps to address the issue, though reports indicate more efforts are needed. Despite progress, some key campaign promises remain unfulfilled, such as the ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions and the establishment of an Accelerated Export Development Council.
Feedback from Ghanaians on President Mahama’s 120-day Social Contract is varied. Ms. Edith Som, a National Service Person, expressed gratitude for the government’s payment of all outstanding allowances and arrears but urged resolution of power supply issues. Mr. Alfred Nyarko, a shoe seller, acknowledged some fulfilled promises but highlighted the need to address youth unemployment and power supply. Wofa Yaw Asiama, a Commissioner of Oaths, expressed optimism that with passion and resilience, President Mahama could transform the country.