Ghanaians and Experts Voice Mixed Views on Mahama’s First Year in Office

As President John Dramani Mahama marks one year since his return to office, public opinion and expert assessments across Ghana point to a mixture of praise, cautious optimism and calls for greater accountability.

Since being sworn in on 7 January 2025, President Mahama’s government has focused heavily on economic stabilisation, institutional reforms and cost-of-living measures, prompting reactions from citizens, civil society and academics alike.

Economic Progress and Public Approval

Many Ghanaians credit the Mahama administration with restoring stability to the economy after a challenging period before it took office.

In the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, residents told the Ghana News Agency that progress in key economic indicators has been noticeable.

“In my view, the government has performed well in managing the economy,” said Ernest Dadson, a surveyor. “Our currency is stable, inflation is down, fuel prices have reduced, and they have abolished the E-levy and COVID-19 taxes. These are positive signs of great performance.”

Such views reflect broader public conversation about improvements in inflation and cost pressures. According to recent figures, consumer inflation in Ghana slowed to 5.4% in December 2025, its lowest level in years, a trend widely linked to tighter fiscal policies and improved monetary conditions.

Expert Praise and Caution Mahama Government

Academic voices analysing the first year have also offered measurable praise while urging caution on future challenges.

Professor Godfred Bokpin, a noted economist at the University of Ghana, told Joy FM that the economy appears to be on the right path under President Mahama’s stewardship.

“Overall, the President has done quite well. Many of the indicators confirm that the economy is heading in the right direction. We cannot take that away from him,” Professor Bokpin said, highlighting stronger fiscal and monetary coordination as a key contribution to stabilisation.

Political and civil society groups have similarly recognised early gains while emphasising the need for continued efforts. The Arise Ghana movement commended the government’s contribution to economic stability but warned that issues such as accountability and youth unemployment must be addressed to sustain momentum.

Government’s Official Stand

Senior government officials have emphasised that important reforms have been undertaken, even if their full benefits are not yet fully visible to all citizens.

Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu noted on TV3’s Hot Issues that major economic indicators point to improved performance, including a strengthened cedi and reduced cost of living.

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“I think that we have acquitted ourselves quite well and it is fairly easy to measure this sort of performance. You just need to look at where the country was barely a year ago and where we are now,” he said, citing improvements in currency value and price stability.

President Mahama himself reflected on the year as one of “difficult but necessary decisions”, acknowledging that foundations laid over the past 12 months may not yet be fully apparent but are critical for longer-term progress.

He emphasised economic stabilisation, social protection and institutional reform as central pillars of his administration’s work.

Balanced Views from Citizens

Despite praise for macroeconomic achievements, many ordinary Ghanaians say the true test of governance will be felt in everyday life and opportunities.

Some residents point to improvements in price stability, while others caution that tangible benefits must be more widespread. Young people continue to express concern about job creation and economic inclusion, echoing broader frustrations heard in regions such as Greater Accra, Ashanti and the Central Region.

Political analysts note that first-year reviews often reflect public expectations and economic context, rather than complete policy results.

“The first year has been about setting the tone,” one analyst commented, “with the real impact dependent on the second year and beyond.”

Looking Ahead

As Ghana moves into the second year of President Mahama’s tenure, public sentiment remains mixed but measured. Continued improvements in living standards, clearer pathways to employment and strengthened institutional accountability are among the priorities many citizens say will determine whether initial optimism translates into lasting confidence.

For now, the country’s experience over the past 12 months demonstrates a complex blend of hope, cautious approval, and a demand for deeper, visible change across government and society.