Ghana’s Mahama Returns to Power Amid High Expectations
Former President John Mahama, after winning Ghana’s recent elections in a landslide, faces immense pressure to fulfill campaign promises as he takes office. His National Democratic Congress (NDC) party secured 183 of 276 parliamentary seats, underscoring voter confidence but stopping short of a two-thirds majority needed for unchallenged governance.
Mahama’s victory marks a return to power after eight years in opposition. Political analyst Dr. Nansata Yakubu described his campaign as a "masterclass," successfully leveraging voter discontent over economic hardship and appreciation for infrastructure projects initiated during his prior term. The economic downturn under Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, including a $3 billion IMF bailout, set the stage for Mahama’s comeback.
High unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis are Mahama’s immediate challenges. He has pledged to create jobs, ease economic burdens by scrapping "nuisance taxes," and transform Ghana into a "24-hour economy" with night-shift incentives for businesses. Yet, critics like economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin warn that economic recovery will take over a decade of consistent reforms, doubting the feasibility of Mahama's promises given limited budgetary space.
Electricity challenges loom large. Mahama’s first term saw a severe power crisis, earning him the nickname "Mr. Dumsor." He plans to reduce electricity costs and renegotiate IMF loan conditions to fund social programs, aiming to alleviate poverty for Ghana’s 7.3 million impoverished citizens.
Corruption remains a persistent issue. Mahama’s previous administration faced allegations, including a bribery scandal involving Airbus. Though cleared by Ghana’s Special Prosecutor, public skepticism lingers. He now promises anti-corruption courts and "Operation Recover All Loot" to investigate misappropriated state assets.
Mahama has also vowed to reduce cabinet size from over 80 to about 60 and ensure appointments are merit-based. His vice-presidential running mate, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, will become Ghana’s first female vice-president, a move hailed as substantive rather than symbolic.
Outgoing President Akufo-Addo claims his administration leaves behind a recovering economy with $8 billion in reserves, but opposition MPs and analysts contest this, citing enduring hardships and debt.
Mahama’s inauguration comes with high public expectations. As he stated in his victory speech, “Our best days are ahead of us. Forward ever—backwards never.” However, with promises to deliver economic stability, tackle corruption, and restore public trust, the road ahead is undoubtedly arduous.
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