President John Dramani Mahama’s return to the presidency has been marked by a flurry of activity, reforms, and policy rollouts, as his administration races to fulfill key campaign promises.
In the first 120 days of his new term, Mahama has made significant strides in governance, economy, education, and social welfare, though several pledges remain in progress or yet to be initiated.
Key Promises Fulfilled
Among the major accomplishments is the swift nomination of a full cabinet, reflecting Mahama’s commitment to getting the machinery of government moving without delay.
In line with his pledge for prudent governance, the administration has also formed a leaner government, reducing the number of ministers and presidential staffers.
One of the most praised initiatives is the introduction of a Code of Conduct for appointees, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
In economic policy, Mahama has delivered on his pledge to convene a National Economic Dialogue, bringing together experts and stakeholders to shape a long-term recovery agenda.
Similarly, a National Education Dialogue was organized to realign policy direction in the education sector.
The administration has launched several social and environmental programs, including “Tree for Life” and “Blue Water”, which focus on reforestation and water resource protection. The No Fee Stress initiative has also been introduced to reduce the financial burden on basic school parents.
Mahama’s government has abolished the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy, providing immediate financial relief to citizens and businesses, with the Covid-19 Levy expected to be removed in the next budget.
Other notable fulfilled promises include:
- Launch of the One Million Coders Programme to build digital skills among youth
- Rollout of the Mahama Cares social protection framework
- Introduction of the Adwumawura Programme to promote job creation
- Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities
- Free sanitary pad initiative for schoolgirls
- Black Star Experience, a flagship tourism and cultural revival program
- Seed money for the Women’s Development Bank
- Establishment of the Accelerated Export Development Council
- Probing the Akosombo dam spillage, which affected thousands
- Restructuring of loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to ensure efficiency
Ongoing Efforts
Several key initiatives are underway but not yet complete. These include:
- Compensation for victims of the Akosombo flood, with funding already allocated in the national budget
- Investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, which is currently ongoing
Yet to Be Fulfilled
Despite the strong start, some promises remain unfulfilled:
- Review of taxes on vehicles to ease the burden on drivers
- Full commencement of the 24-hour economy, a signature Mahama campaign promise
- New legislation to streamline government scholarship programs
- Reforms to purge state security agencies of vigilante elements
- Reopening of investigations into the 2020 election-related violence, including the Techiman South by-election and the Ayawaso West Wuogon shootings
- Full commencement of the 24-hour economy, a signature Mahama campaign promise
Review of the Customs Amendment Act 2020 to curb revenue leakages.
- ConclusionMahama’s first 120 days have been defined by a proactive approach to governance, with over a dozen major promises already fulfilled or in progress.However, the success of his broader agenda will depend on how quickly his administration can deliver on the outstanding reforms, particularly in justice, security, and economic restructuring.As his government moves into its fifth month, all eyes remain on the presidency to see whether momentum will be sustained — and if the remaining pledges will be matched with action.
By: Kobina Welsing