Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has completed his first year in office, a period marked by both cautious optimism and significant governance challenges, according to a first-year assessment by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
The independent report evaluates the administration’s “Ghana Reset Agenda,” which aims to fundamentally shift governance, economic policy, and accountability frameworks.
Mahama assumed office on January 7, 2025, backed by over 56% of the vote and a two-thirds parliamentary majority. He inherited a nation grappling with systemic issues: an economy emerging from a severe crisis (high inflation, volatile exchange rates, and distressed debt), a public deeply dissatisfied with anti-corruption efforts, and a West African region marked by coups and growing security threats. Only 28% of Ghanaians trusted the presidency at the handover, while 40% endorsed military intervention if leaders abused power.
The CDD report notes that the administration focused its first year on reconfiguring checks and balances, though results were mixed. The unprecedented NDC two-thirds parliamentary majority frequently fast-tracked legislation using certificates of urgency, sometimes bypassing public participation.
The judiciary faced upheaval following the removal of the Chief Justice, a legal action that sparked accusations of political interference. Similarly, tensions persist around the Electoral Commission, where petitions to remove the chair have raised concerns about institutional independence.
Yet, the report highlights early positive signals from the President. It notes: “The good news is that the President has, from the day of his inauguration, been sending the right signals about the threats to Ghana’s democracy.” This included the publication of a code of conduct for appointees, an open-door policy for citizen feedback, and decisive reversals on controversial policies such as the Lithium agreement and the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contracts.
Constitutional reform has also been a priority. CDD-Ghana observes: “The fulfillment of the NDC’s promise to pursue Constitutional Reform is further testament to positive signalling on restoring citizens’ faith in democracy.” The composition of the reform committee and the publication of summary recommendations have strengthened public confidence and shown commitment to transparency and consensus-building.
The media and civil society remain vital accountability mechanisms. While the government continues to engage actively with journalists and civil society organizations, challenges persist. Police brutality and attacks on journalists, such as the assault on Carlos Calon, and arrests for alleged online falsehoods, indicate gaps in protections and the rule of law. CDD-Ghana notes: “The initial signals point in the right direction, but critical governance and accountability challenges remain.”
President Mahama has also stressed the relational aspect of democracy. Speaking at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), he warned that failure to reset governance could provoke civil unrest among youth, highlighting the human cost of weak institutions. In his words, “Democracy must not just be institutional but also Relational.” Citizens must feel democracy in their daily lives, not just see it on paper.
From a business perspective, these governance signals matter. Stability, transparent institutions, and rule-of-law are crucial for investor confidence, economic predictability, and the growth of markets. Early efforts to strengthen local governance, including increasing direct disbursements to District Assemblies from 50% to 80% of the DACF, also suggest a commitment to operational efficiency and decentralization that can support business and development outcomes.
Civil society engagement remains robust. Think tanks and advocacy groups like ACET, EduWatch, ACEP, IMANI Africa, CDD-Ghana, Transparency International Ghana, MFWA, and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition continue to participate in government-led working groups, supporting policy formulation and accountability. This engagement, the report notes, is essential not only for democracy but also for development, fostering structured feedback that informs public policy.
Looking ahead, the CDD report underscores that time is essential to fully address the quality of Ghana’s democracy. While early actions indicate the administration is listening and responding, systemic challenges, including parliamentary dominance, judicial independence, media safety, police accountability, and digital space governance, require sustained attention.
For Ghanaians, the first year of Mahama’s “Reset” offers hope, but also a reminder that democracy is not simply a system; it is a practice that must be nurtured, defended, and felt in the lives of citizens. For businesses and investors, these are signals shaping confidence and decisions as the country continues evolving in its political and economic landscape.
