What Has Changed? Discipline, Not Magic — Why the Economic Turnaround Is No Mystery

Opponents are taunting the NDC to explain which policy initiative is driving the positive economic turnaround. The answer is simple: the unbridled stealing has stopped — at least for now.

Prof. Bokpin is an astute economist, widely respected and well‑known for his deep knowledge of finance and economic management. In recent weeks, he has appeared on various media platforms doing what he does best — answering questions and offering explanations on issues relating to the economy, public finance, and related subjects.

His commentary often serves to educate the layperson, academics, and professionals on the complexities of managing a sovereign economy. And while I, Mansa Musa, do not claim any theoretical expertise in economics, my observations of the professor’s many pronouncements point to a vital missing element in his analyses.

Enough of the Claims and Counterclaims — The NDC Is Demonstrating Better Economic Management

Across his media engagements, Prof. Bokpin appears reluctant to credit the current government for the positive economic indicators being experienced. His comments often imply, subtly but consistently, that the present administration does not deserve significant praise for the ongoing recovery. Instead, he frequently attributes the improvements to the previous Akufo‑Addo/Bawumia administration and the IMF‑induced reforms.

The Missing Factor: Discipline — The Proceeds That Should Have Stabilised the Economy Were Being Stolen

While the previous government’s efforts cannot be dismissed entirely, one fundamental factor is conspicuously absent from the professor’s commentary: fiscal and financial discipline.

You may design the best policies on paper, but if those entrusted with public funds lack the discipline and integrity to safeguard them, every effort collapses — as happened under the Akufo‑Addo/Bawumia regime.

Consider the following:

1. US$12 million spent on the Pwalugu Dam — yet no dam exists.
2. Millions disbursed for a port at Keta — which never materialised.
3. Millions borrowed for Accra clean‑up — yet the city remains dirty and smelly.
4. Billions of cedis unaccounted for, disappearing into oblivion.
5. Auditor‑General reports annually highlighting losses in the billions.
6. Over US$90 million spent on a National Cathedral project — with no cathedral to show for it.

When Those in Charge Choose Theft, Economic Indicators Will Always Be Dire

The bottom line is simple: no policy can succeed if those managing the public purse lack discipline. If state funds are treated as personal or family property, the economy will always suffer. The scale of pilfering between 2017 and 2024 was unprecedented. That is why, despite numerous policy initiatives, nothing worked. They created, looted, shared — and now flee from accountability. The buzzword was stealing. And this is not just my view; ask the outspoken presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong.

What Has Changed? Discipline — And the Results Speak for Themselves

For anyone to pretend not to understand what has changed is, at best, disingenuous. The difference between the Akufo‑Addo/Bawumia era and the current Mahama administration is straightforward: a commitment to discipline and a halt to reckless looting.

Even though this government is building on some existing frameworks, the absence of theft is what explains the improved outcomes. There is no stealing — at least not yet. And if this high level of discipline continues, debates about who initiated what policy will become largely irrelevant.

— Mansa Musa, writer, presenter, and broadcasting professional with Voice of London Radio UK