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Mahama’s First 120 Days: Realistic Social Contract or Political Rhetoric? Part 1

As President John Dramani Mahama returns to power, national debates have ignited over his ambitious First 120 Days Social Contract. With a four-year mandate, Mahama has laid out a plan to address Ghana’s economic challenges, governance inefficiencies, and social inequalities.

Date Created : 2/13/2025 4:59:21 AM : Story Author : Paa Nii Shang/Ghanadistricts.com

But how feasible are these promises? Can his administration realistically execute these policies within the proposed timeframe, or are they simply empty political promises designed to placate voters?

With Mahama’s first 30 days in office, I will critically examine the key promises he has made, their potential implications, and the challenges his administration may face.

Governance and Leadership: Will a Leaner Government Deliver?

One of Mahama’s most notable pledges is the reduction of the number of ministries from 126 to 60. While this move has been lauded as a cost-cutting initiative, several questions remain:

• Will a smaller government improve efficiency or create delays in service delivery?

• Will the reduction in ministries lead to bureaucratic waste or overburden ministers with too many responsibilities?

Additionally, Mahama has promised to implement a strong Code of Conduct for government officials, aiming to curb corruption and inefficiency. However, the real challenge lies in enforcement, especially in a country where allegations of corruption have long plagued the political landscape. Will Mahama’s Code of Conduct be different from previous anti-corruption measures that faltered due to weak enforcement?

Economic Recovery:

Can the 24-Hour Economy Policy Work?

Mahama’s economic recovery strategy includes scrapping a range of unpopular taxes, such as the E-levy, COVID-19 levy, and taxes on betting winnings. While these tax cuts may alleviate financial pressures on citizens, questions linger about how the government will replace the lost revenue needed to fund critical social programs.

Another major element of Mahama’s plan is the implementation of a 24-hour economy policy aimed at boosting productivity. On paper, this seems promising, but Ghana’s economic structure presents several challenges:

• Can the country ensure a stable energy supply to sustain round-the-clock economic activities?

• How will industries, many of which already struggle with operational inefficiencies, adapt to a 24-hour system?

• Will workers be fairly compensated for night shifts, or will this policy place additional strain on the workforce?

Without clear details on how this will be implemented, the 24-hour economy policy risks becoming another slogan without substantial impact.

Social Interventions:
Are They Financially Sustainable?

Mahama has promised a series of social interventions, including:

• No academic fees for first-year tertiary students

• Free tertiary education for people with disabilities

• Free sanitary pads for female students

• The MahamaCares Fund (Ghana Medical Care Trust)

While these policies would undoubtedly improve social welfare, their long-term sustainability is a key concern. Can Ghana afford these initiatives without relying on further borrowing, which would increase national debt? Additionally, how can the government ensure that these benefits are equitably distributed and not misused?

The success of these social policies will depend largely on fiscal discipline and efficient management to avoid the collapse of similar programs in the past due to financial mismanagement.

Mahama’s First 120 Days: Realistic Social Contract or Political Rhetoric? Part 1

Date Created : 2/13/2025 4:59:21 AM : Story Author : Paa Nii Shang/Ghanadistricts.com

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