President Mahama Plans to Reset Ghana
Recently elected, John Mahama outlines an ambitious agenda to tackle Ghana’s economic crisis and restore public trust in the next four years.
Ghana's new President John Mahama (C) holds a Bible as he takes the oath of office at his inauguration at the Independence Square in Accra on Jan. 7, 2025.
A month afterwinning the presidential election by the widest margin in almost two decades, John Mahama has resumed office for the start of his second and final term. Mahama, who was ousted byoutgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2017 after his first four years in office, faces the difficult task of restoring public confidence in governance.
"While Ghanaians take great pride in our thriving democracy, they are deeply dissatisfied with the quality of governance over the years," Mahama said during his inauguration speech yesterday. "They have openly voiced their dissatisfaction through the decisive action they undertook at the recent polls."
Seemingly with an understanding of the heft of the task before him, the reemergent president's speech touched on a broad number of issues his administration will focus on, including strengthening diplomatic ties at home and abroad, pursuing technological advancements and improving public health infrastructure.
The main focus, however, will be on four critical areas: economic restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment; improvement of the business/investment environment to ensure Ghana's reopening for business; governance and constitutional reforms; and accountability and the fight against corruption.
During the campaign trail, Mahama promised to turn Ghana into a “24-hour economy” to combat the country's ongoing cost of living crisis. He reiterated that same ideal, stating that this economic system will "bolster job creation for the youth, stimulate local industries, attract foreign investments, and allow us to build resilient communities and a sustainable future."
In his speech, he referenced "the economic hardship," now an everyday term, stating that Ghana has "lurched from crisis to crisis" in recent years. "Today marks the beginning of a new opportunity," he said. "An opportunity to make a difference in our governance and economic management. We shall reset Ghana!"
Days before the December polls, Mahama unveiled 26 policies he hoped to effect in his first 120 days in office. They include forming the leanest and most efficient government in Ghana's fourth republic, implementing a “No-Academic-Fee” policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, establishing the Women's Development Bank, and many more. Per his inauguration speech, achieving these policies in the stated timeframe will prove his readiness to be a worthy leader.- The Ballot Didn't Tell the Whole Story in Africa's Year of Elections ›
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