With notable progress made on key campaign promises outlined in his “Social Contract with the People of Ghana”. This review assesses the President’s performance, highlighting fulfilled, ongoing, and unfulfilled promises.
Fulfilled Promises
- Nomination of Cabinet Ministers: President Mahama nominated 42 ministerial nominees within the first 14 days, with all being vetted and approved in less than a month.
- National Economic Dialogue: The President convened a National Economic Dialogue to discuss the state of the economy and prepare a homegrown fiscal consolidation program.
- National Consultative Conference on Education: The President organized a national consultative conference on education to build consensus on needed improvements.
- Abolition of Draconian Taxes: The President abolished the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy, providing financial relief to citizens and businesses.
- Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities: The President fulfilled his promise to provide free tertiary education for persons with disabilities.
- Free Sanitary Pads for Schoolgirls: The President allocated funds to purchase sanitary products for female students in primary and secondary schools.
- Launch of Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative: The President launched the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative to promote environmental sustainability.
- No Fee Stress Initiative: The President implemented the “No-Academic-Fee” policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
- Mahama Cares: The President introduced the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares) Fund to improve healthcare.
- Code of Conduct for Political Appointees: The President launched a comprehensive Code of Conduct for political appointees, promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in government.
Ongoing Promises
- Investigation into Ahmed Suale’s Death: The investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale is ongoing.
- Probe into Akosombo Spillage: The probe into the Akosombo spillage is ongoing.
Unfulfilled Promises
- Review of Taxes on Vehicles: The President has not reviewed taxes and levies on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes.
- Commencement of 24-Hour Economy Policy: The President has not commenced drafting needed legal amendments and preparing for implementing the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
- Ban on Illegal Mining (Galamsey): Although the President issued a directive to halt illegal mining activities, a comprehensive ban on galamsey and effective enforcement remain pending.
- Establishment of Accelerated Export Development Council: The President has not established the Accelerated Export Development Council to promote exports.
- Inquiries into Matters of Public Interest: The President has not instituted inquiries and/or forensic audits into several matters of public interest.
Energy Sector
The energy sector has faced challenges, including intermittent power outages. The President has:
- Acknowledged the Challenges: Recognized the need for improvements in the energy sector to ensure reliable power supply.
- Proposed Solutions: Outlined plans to address energy sector challenges, including investments in infrastructure and renewable energy.
Performance Rating
Based on the progress made, I would rate President Mahama’s performance 7 out of 10. The administration has made significant strides in governance, economy, education, and social welfare, but some promises remain unfulfilled or ongoing.
Conclusion
President Mahama’s first 120 days in office have been marked by a proactive approach to governance, with a focus on delivering on key campaign promises. While challenges remain, the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity is evident in the launch of the Code of Conduct for political appointees. As the government moves forward, it is essential to sustain the momentum and address the concerns of the Ghanaian people, particularly in critical areas like energy and illegal mining
The President’s administration faces the task of balancing economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. Effective implementation of policies and tangible results will be crucial in determining the administration’s success. With continued progress and a commitment to addressing challenges, President Mahama’s government can build on its achievements and improve the lives of Ghanaians.
