In Ghana’s often unpredictable political terrain, one figure is striving to build a legacy grounded in delivery: former President and 2024 NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama. The new confidence reposed in him and the very high expectations are evident in the historic landslide victory in the 2024 General Elections.
John Mahama has a herculean task ahead of him. Dealing with the demands of the party that brought him to power and the socio-economic priorities can sometimes conflict. However, with tactfulness and broader engagement, he can navigate his way through that maze. But he seems to have started on the right foot, and numerous polls confirm that Ghanaians now admit the country is heading in the right direction.
From his previous tenure through to his new vision for 2025 and beyond, Mahama is laying the foundations for what may well become one of the most intentional executions of a campaign mandate in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Already, a significant number of his 120-day social contract has been done and dusted to the admiration of many. However, the bigger challenge is ahead: executing the ambitious 2025 Budget and its accompanying policies.
From his head start, he is a man on a mission to build a legacy, but as with all legacies, there are high points and hard truths.
1. Education: Promise Delivered, Eyes on Equity
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True to his word, Mahama’s recent pledge to remove academic fees for first-year tertiary students in public institutions has materialized. The 2025 national budget includes GH¢499.8 million to cover this cost, easing the burden for thousands of families. Refunds are even available for students who pre-paid before the policy was rolled out—an impressive show of follow-through.
However, questions remain: Just like questions were raised about the funding sustainability of the Free SHS Policy, how will this be sustainably financed in the long term? Is the policy paired with improvements in infrastructure and staffing? Access without quality could become a hollow gain.
2. Infrastructure: Past Foundations, Future Fixes
Mahama’s first term saw the rise of transformative projects like the Kejetia Market, Terminal 3 at Kotoka, and the Ho Airport, symbols of an administration committed to modernizing Ghana and improving the architectural landscape of the country. These projects not only added beauty but also economic value to key regions.
Yet, today, some of these facilities face operational and maintenance issues. Ho Airport, for example, still sees limited commercial activity. A legacy must not only be about building but also about sustained use and impact. In his new bid, Mahama will need to go beyond “edifices” and address operational inefficiencies with the same energy he brought to construction. A deeper and holistic feasibility analysis of projects must be undertaken to check the boxes of financial, social, and economic feasibilities before state resources are committed. Projects should not be undertaken to just fulfill campaign promises if they are viable enough.
Already, there is the $10B Big Push Agenda to undertake infrastructure projects. It should be the case that the scarce state funds will be sunk in projects without any economic an social benefits.
3. Energy Sector: A Steadier Grid, But More Greening Needed
Mahama’s first tenure is argued to have tackled the painful “dumsor” era head-on. By creating the Ministry of Power and fast-tracking generation projects like the Karpowership deal, Ghana began turning the lights back on. Although this is often argued by the opposition, there are concrete and verifiable projects he undertook during her tenure to address the challenge. Today, the echoes of that work remain, even if the challenge of grid stability hasn’t been fully solved.
Going forward, the conversation needs to shift from “generation capacity” to renewable integration, storage technology, and more efficient transmission. Mahama’s legacy here will be judged by how boldly he embraces green energy in an age of climate urgency.
Moreover, the operational inefficiencies of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will be a blot on his legacy if not tackled. Already, through the Minister for Energy, a technical committee has been set up to propose the best form of private participation for ECG to enhance its operations. It is imperative that he follows through to the end. A stable and affordable power supply is a necessity and non-negotiable for households and businesses. President Mahama’s task in the energy sector is clear and defined.
4. Galamsey: The Blight That Won’t Go Away
If there is one area where Mahama’s legacy risks a major blemish, it is in the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey. Experts and environmentalists say it is an “existential threat” to our lives. However, critics say the political class lacks the political will to tackle the menace head-on since they are allegedly neck-deep.
Though he has promised to ban mining in forest reserves and to promote sustainable mining, the devastation of Ghana’s rivers like the once-proud Pra and Ankobra continues three months after coming to office. The social, environmental, and economic costs are staggering. Mercury poisoning, polluted water systems, lost cocoa farms, and reduced revenue from legal mining have left a bitter taste.
Mahama must be bolder here. His future administration cannot afford vague promises or half-measures. This is a fight that requires bipartisan will, military-backed enforcement, community engagement, and AI-powered monitoring to detect and shut down illegal mining sites in real time. Anything less risks making the “Polluted Gold” crisis a permanent scar on Ghana’s conscience.
5. Governance & Accountability: Transparency as a Legacy Marker
To cement his legacy, Mahama must marry his projects with transparency. The perception of corruption—often weaponized in political rhetoric—can undo years of hard work. Already, his Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) gained some very positive traction and support from the public. Ensuring procurement reforms, making audit findings public, and safeguarding whistleblowers could help him redefine what political integrity looks like.
A Legacy Within Reach: If Boldness Matches Intent
John Mahama is not just campaigning. He is building a case for a second chance grounded in delivery. From education to energy and infrastructure to economy, many promises have left the drafting board and taken real shape. But a true legacy demands consistency, courage, and completeness.
Ghana still waits for stronger action on illegal mining, deeper transparency reforms, and a clearer pivot to green development. If these areas receive the attention they deserve, then Mahama’s legacy won’t just be built but will also stand the test of time.
