President John Mahama’s early actions in his second term reflect a deliberate shift toward policy-focused governance and institutional reform, political analyst John Osae-Kwapong observed during a recent Asaase Radio discussion.
Highlighting cabinet appointments and the repeal of the contentious electronic transaction levy (e-levy) as key indicators, Osae-Kwapong suggested the administration is prioritizing competence and public sentiment to distance itself from past criticisms.
“The first 100 days set the tone, even if tangible outcomes take longer,” said Osae-Kwapong, a fellow at Ghana’s Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). He noted Mahama’s selections for ministerial roles appear calibrated to emphasize expertise over political loyalty—a contrast to his prior tenure. “There’s a clear effort to project maturity and lessons learned,” he added, though cautioning that transformative economic changes would require sustained effort beyond symbolic gestures.
The repeal of the e-levy, a polarizing tax introduced by the previous administration, has been hailed as an early win, aligning with Mahama’s campaign pledge to ease financial burdens on citizens and businesses. However, attention now pivots to his flagship proposal: a 24-hour economy framework aimed at boosting productivity and job creation through round-the-clock operations in key sectors. While details remain sparse, the policy’s rollout is seen as a litmus test for the government’s ability to translate vision into actionable programs.
“This was the centerpiece of his campaign a structural shift promising long-term resilience,” Osae-Kwapong remarked. “How it’s implemented will define his legacy.” Skeptics argue the plan faces logistical hurdles, including energy supply constraints and workforce readiness, while supporters view it as a necessary overhaul of Ghana’s economic model.
The administration’s muted communication on the policy’s specifics has fueled speculation, with critics urging transparency to maintain public buy-in. Yet Osae-Kwapong interprets Mahama’s cautious approach as strategic, allowing space to align stakeholders and resources before full-scale execution. “Early signals matter,” he said. “They lay groundwork, but execution determines success.”
Ghana’s economic landscape, still recovering from global inflationary pressures and debt restructuring, adds urgency to Mahama’s agenda. His team’s ability to balance immediate relief measures such as subsidy adjustments and social interventions with structural reforms like the 24-hour economy will likely shape both political fortunes and national stability. As the government navigates these dual imperatives, the interplay between public patience and policy clarity will remain critical, particularly amid opposition scrutiny and heightened voter expectations ahead of local elections later this year.
