MAHAMA 2.0; The Good, Bad and Ugly

If the first 6 months of H.E Mahama’s second coming is graded Over 4.0, a Grade Point Average (GPA), of 3.75 would be merited; Magna Cum Laude in academic terms.

GOOD: The Ghanaian Cedi and Economic Confidence (4.0 GPA)

The Ghanaian Cedi has appreciated significantly against most of the world’s currencies since President Mahama’s inauguration boosting confidence in the economy. The strength of the currency has also made commerce and cost of living relatively cheaper and much more affordable.

The country’s currency is trading at an average of 1USD to 10.30GHS today (June 23, 2025). The currency on the day of President Mahama’s inauguration, traded at an average rate of 1USD to 14.70GHS, a percentage decrease of 30% (rounded to nearest whole number).

BAD: None So Far (Ungraded)
For a relatively new administration, albeit with an experienced core of personnel both in government and outside, this writer finds nothing so far to be considered as bad.

UGLY: Removal of Chief Justice (3.5 GPA)

The removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is one of the ugliest episodes of the administration so far and a very dangerous precedent. As dangerous as the unwise decision by the previous NPP government to blatantly pack the Apex Court and strategically filling most of the lower courts with others who had been minted at the Chambers of then President Akufo-Addo.

The act is probably supported by a plurality of citizens if not majority primarily because the Ghanaian Government just like most governments worldwide is historically corrupt and out of touch. All 3 branches (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary are perceived as guilty.

Many citizens feel distant from the government with most social amenities out of reach to them. Notoriously, ours is a government primarily based on ‘Whom You Know;’ the more connected a person is determines their chances of accessing even the most basic services.

However, the executive and legislature undergo change. Citizens can choose to retain or dismiss the members at the ballot box. The Judiciary, though, is not subject to elections. An appointment to the bench is until retirement. A constitutional right with both merits and demerits.

The Suspension of the Chief Justice may have a silver lining. Already there are calls to strengthen the process of dismissal for future Chief Justices beginning with the Political and Ceremonial Council of State which rubber-stamps every decision by the president; And to correct certain anomalies within the judiciary and General Legal Council, the main regulatory body for conduct and administration of legal education and profession in Ghana.