More Jobs, No ‘Nuisance Taxes’: Ghanaians Pin High Hopes on John Mahama’s Return.
Ghana’s political landscape has witnessed a seismic shift with the historic return of John Dramani Mahama as President. Following an impressive campaign hailed as a "masterclass" by analysts, Mahama claimed a landslide victory in the presidential election, defeating Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia with 56.6% of the vote—the largest margin of victory in nearly 25 years.
However, the real challenge for Mahama begins now. After eight years in opposition, the ex-president steps into office amidst widespread discontent over economic hardship, unemployment, and a governance record plagued by corruption scandals. For many Ghanaians, Mahama's presidency represents a fresh chance to rebuild an economy that has been severely battered, restore trust in leadership, and deliver on promises of job creation and tax reform.
Economic Hardship: The Unifying Call for Change.
Ghana’s economy, once lauded as one of Africa's fastest-growing, has faced a steep decline in recent years. The challenges peaked in 2022, as inflation soared and living costs spiraled out of control. The economic crisis forced the outgoing government to seek a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), leaving many Ghanaians disillusioned.
For voters, Mahama’s return is a beacon of hope. His campaign promises to slash "nuisance taxes," create jobs, and reduce the size of government resonated deeply. Belinda Amuzu, a teacher from Tamale, summed up the sentiment:
“I’m expecting the new government to change the economy, so the hardship will come down. He should also prosecute corrupt officials so that it will be a lesson to others.”
The Promise of More Jobs and a "24-Hour Economy"
At the heart of Mahama’s campaign was his ambitious vision of a "24-hour economy." He plans to incentivize businesses to operate round the clock by offering tax breaks and reducing electricity costs for night-time operations. This, he argues, will not only create jobs but also stimulate economic activity in both public and private sectors.
Unemployment, which currently hovers near 15%, has been a major pain point for the populace. Mahama's pledge to tackle this issue directly is viewed as one of his administration's most critical tasks.
However, some critics remain skeptical. During his first term, Mahama faced significant backlash for Ghana's worst-ever electricity crisis, leading to frequent blackouts. The issue earned him the nickname "Mr. Dumsor," a label he now seeks to shed by promising reliable power to support his economic plans.
Scrapping ‘Nuisance Taxes’
Another cornerstone of Mahama's agenda is the elimination of what Ghanaians call "nuisance taxes." These include the controversial electronic transaction levy (E-Levy) and taxes on carbon emissions from vehicles. While these measures aim to reduce the cost of living, economists like Prof. Godfred Bokpin have raised concerns about their feasibility.
“They have not done the cost-benefit analysis. There's no budgetary space to translate those promises into actuals,” Prof. Bokpin warned.
To navigate these challenges, Mahama has suggested renegotiating the IMF loan conditions. He aims to free up funds for social intervention programs, alleviating poverty for the 7.3 million Ghanaians currently living below the poverty line.
Tackling Corruption: A Non-Negotiable Priority.
The outgoing government has faced a litany of corruption scandals, from over-inflated ambulance spare parts procurement to the mismanagement of $58 million for a national cathedral project that remains unfinished. Mahama has vowed to address corruption head-on, proposing the establishment of special courts to prosecute wrongdoers swiftly.
Political analyst Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante emphasized that financial accountability must start immediately:
“Mahama should demand financial accountability from the outgoing government during the handover phase so that whatever has gone wrong, he will be able to right as soon as his government takes office.”
Mahama’s tough stance on corruption, paired with his promise to appoint officials based on merit rather than loyalty, has bolstered public trust.
A Leaner, More Efficient Government.
As part of his efforts to restore confidence, Mahama has pledged to streamline the government by reducing the size of the cabinet from over 80 ministers to about 60. While this proposal has been welcomed, some experts argue for even leaner governance.
“What Ghana needs right now is credible leadership, lean government, and efficiency in public service delivery,” said Prof. Bokpin.
Mahama’s running mate, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is set to become Ghana’s first female Vice-President. Her appointment has been praised as a reflection of Mahama's commitment to inclusivity and competence.
High Expectations: A Leadership Under Pressure.
The stakes are high for Mahama’s administration. With public expectations soaring, failure is not an option. Ghanaians have already shown their willingness to punish underperforming governments at the ballot box, as seen in the voter apathy in the heartlands of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during this election.
In his victory speech, Mahama acknowledged the weight of public trust:
“Expectations of Ghanaians are very high, and we cannot afford to disappoint them. Our best days are not behind us; our best days are ahead of us. Forward ever—backwards never.”
This sentiment reflects the optimism of a nation ready to chart a new course.
The Road Ahead.
As Ghana prepares for Mahama's inauguration, the road ahead is anything but smooth. The President-elect must confront an economic crisis, address unemployment, and tackle corruption—all while maintaining fiscal discipline and meeting international obligations.
But for millions of Ghanaians, Mahama’s leadership represents a chance to rebuild hope. Whether he succeeds in delivering on his promises will define not only his legacy but also the trajectory of a nation eager to reclaim its economic and political standing.
As Ghana steps into 2025 under new leadership, one thing is certain: the people are watching, and the demand for accountability has never been greater.
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