Two Months In: A Critical Assessment of The John Dramani Mahama's NDC Administration

In 2024, a global wave of anti-incumbent sentiment led to significant political shifts, with numerous long-standing governments losing power.

Notably, in the United States, the Democratic Party faced a substantial defeat amid rising inflation and economic dissatisfaction.

Similarly, Iceland's Independence Party suffered its worst performance, with the Social Democratic Alliance emerging as the largest party.

Romania's ruling coalition lost its majority, with far-right parties making significant gains.

The United Kingdom witnessed a historic defeat of the Conservative Party, leading to a Labour landslide.

Back home on our continent, in Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had ruled since independence in 1966, was ousted by the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). And in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994.

In Ghana, our election was defined by the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) attempt to "break the so called eight and the NDC's mantra of resetting the country.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasised the NPP's achievements, particularly in digitalising the economy, while distancing himself from the administration's shortcomings by portraying himself as merely the "driver's mate" who would steer the country differently if elected.

Conversely, Candidate John Dramani Mahama focused on pressing issues such as economic instability, high inflation, corruption, depreciation of the cedi, and the high cost of living, which had left many Ghanaians impoverished and angry.

Furthermore, Candidate Mahama and his NDC outlined a "First 120 Days Social Contract" with Ghanaians, detailing what his immediate priorities will be in governance, the economy, and social interventions should he win power.

Come December 7th, Ghanaians voted decisively, and with just over 60.9% of the registered voters turning up to vote, especially many NPP supporters, the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama was handed a massive victory by defualt.

This article evaluates President Mahama's performance two months into his 48-month administration by scrutinising his adherence to key manifesto promises, including:

the formation of government within 14 days; initiating investigations into the numerous corruption allegations against the previous NPP government; recovering all supposed looted assets and funds, aka ORAL; forming the leanest government with no more than 60 ministers and deputy ministers; abolishing the e-levy, betting, and nuisance taxes; establishing a 24-hour economy; and other promises.

This assessment provides an early glimpse into the administration's progress and challenges in fulfilling these commitments.

Key Achievements:

Formation of Government:

One of the president’s key commitments was the swift formation of his government within 14 days of assuming office. Thus far, he has largely fulfilled his commitment. He has nominated and approved ministers and deputy ministers, and his government has begun to take shape. Additionally, candidate Mahama pledged to create the leanest government under the Fourth Republic and to this end the number of ministries has been reduced and just under 60 ministers have been appointed so far, which is to be commendable. However, critics have pointed out that too many presidential staffers have been appointed, raising concerns over the president's actual commitment to cost savings and efficiency, which has also resulted in a huge presidential office budget way above his predecessor's expenditure, an issue that was the subject of the NDC’s constant criticism in opposition.

ORAL (Operation Recover All Loot) committee, has been set up and it has completed its work and has submitted its report to the president. It remains, however, to be seen whether it will yield any actual recovery of any so-called loot beyond the harassment of political opponents.

The introduction of a robust Code of Conduct was a crucial aspect of government reform candidate Mahama talked about. Thus far, there has been minimal discussion about this policy, which aimed to improve transparency and accountability. However, the lack of implementation has led many to question the administration's commitment to addressing the systemic inefficiencies and corruption in our public institutions.

Organisation of the National Economic Dialogue:

The promise of National Economic Dialogue intended to provide a comprehensive review of Ghana's economic challenges and develop a homegrown fiscal consolidation program to deal with them has also taken place. However, critics argue that similar dialogues in the past failed to yield any results, especially given that opposition NPP was not even invited. The effectiveness of this initiative remains to be seen.

Mahama's government has taken major steps in the budget towards tax reforms, including the removal of controversial taxes such as the E-levy, COVID levy, the 10% betting tax, and emissions levy in the just-read budget. These measures hoped to will alleviate hardships and stimulate growth which has broadly been welcome by both citizens and businesses

Additionally, Social programs targeting the vulnerable populations have also been announced in the budget, including the abolition of fees for first-year university students and the scrapping of fees for disabled students. These interventions aim to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged groups.

Despite these commendable achievements and positive steps, there are notable failures and challenges.

While inflation has recently stabilised, the cedi continues to depreciate against the dollar, and food inflation remains a major problem. Prices of Kenkey and food are still rising. This is a stark contrast to the NDC's vocal opposition to the rising cost of living while in opposition.

The much-promised 24-hour economy policy, aimed at improving productivity and employment has also yet to be implemented.

A crucial aspect of the NDC’s social contract was the introduction of a robust Code of Conduct for Government Officials, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. However, the implementation of this code has been conspicuously absent two months into the administration. This delay has led to growing scepticism about the government's commitment to addressing systemic governance failures.

Addressing unemployment was another major campaign focus. The government promised initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme, National Apprenticeship Programme, and One Million Coders Programme. The National Apprenticeship Program, in particular, aims to provide young people with apprenticeship opportunities, covering their fees and providing startup kits upon completion. However, no concrete action has been taken yet.

One of the most controversial actions of the new administration has been the mass sacking of thousands of public sector employees, many of whom are perceived to be NPP members . Critics argue that while Mahama’s government has not yet created any jobs beyond those for the president and his appointees, they are worsening the unemployment crisis by dismissing those who have fortunate enough to have jobs . Many have condemned the move as politically motivated and counterproductive to addressing the country's unemployment crisis.

A major point of criticism of the government is its apparent lack of urgency to dealing with Galamsey crisis . The indication is that the situation has gotten worse since the president took power. Instead of addressing the crisis, it appears that NDC party operatives have simply taken over mining sites previously controlled by NPP miners. This apparent continuation and potential exacerbation is in breach of the social contract entered into by the party.

Adding to these woes, the country has seen a resurgence of 'Dumsor,' which has started to significantly impact communities in various parts of the country. These issues are particularly disappointing to Ghanaians who expected the new administration to alleviate, not replicate, the governance failures of the NPP.

Conclusion

After two months in the office, the Mahama-led NDC administration presents a mixed picture of achievements and challenges. While commendable steps have been taken in areas such as the removal of fees for first-year university students, uncapping the road fund, free primary health care programs, free textbooks for children, the formation of the ORAL committee, and a seed fund for the establishment of the women development bank

(though the fund is insignificant), However, the administration has struggled to address urgent issues such as the Galamsey crisis, the high cost of living, the depreciation of the cedi, youth unemployment, and overall economic hardship.

By Joe Danso