President John Mahama has officially marked 100 days in office, a period filled with both commendation and concern. Riding on a wave of goodwill and promises of a national reset, the administration initially won over many Ghanaians who sought change after years under the New Patriotic Party. According to a survey by Global InfoAnalytics, 62% of voters believe Ghana is heading in the right direction, a massive improvement from just 32% last October. Yet, beneath the positive sentiment lies growing unrest over some of the government’s early actions.
While the National Democratic Congress has been praised for eliminating unpopular taxes and quickly forming a functional administration, its aggressive crackdown on former officials is sparking controversy. The arrests and raids targeting figures like former Bank of Ghana governor Ernest Addison and ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta are drawing sharp criticism. Critics argue these actions resemble the very tactics Mahama once condemned under his predecessor, sparking fears of political retribution masked as reform.
Political analyst Reindolph Afrifa-Oware has noted that the administration’s focus on symbolic wins may be undermining real progress. He applauded the stabilisation of the cedi and the budget's direction but warned that these gains are being overshadowed by what many perceive as politically motivated actions. His caution echoes the sentiments of many observers who worry that the so-called reset might lack the structural backbone needed for true transformation.
The Ashanti Region remains a notable exception in nationwide approval, with dissatisfaction emerging despite the overall national optimism. Meanwhile, the Mahama government has taken significant steps in the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, which saw a marginal improvement in perception. In mining communities, opinions remain divided, but a slight net-positive view suggests room for cautious optimism.
However, the establishment of a new Gold Board has raised eyebrows, especially given its centralised control over value chains in the gold industry. Concerns are mounting that such moves may contradict earlier promises of transparency and inclusiveness. Similarly, Mahama's administration has backtracked on its vow to repeal forest reserve mining laws, opting instead for amendments—a move seen by many as disappointing.
Furthermore, the administration has yet to meet its target of 30% female representation in the Cabinet, prompting calls for more inclusive governance. For many citizens, the reset should reflect long-term, systemic improvements, not just a change in leadership. As Mahama navigates the rest of his term, the challenge remains to balance popular support with the tough task of deep, meaningful reforms.
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