CDD-Ghana Urges Deeper Reforms as Mahama Administration Achieves Early Stabilization
The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for accelerated institutional reforms in governance, anti-corruption, the economy, and national security, noting that while the John Dramani Mahama administration has achieved early stabilisation, structural weaknesses persist.
The call was made at CDD-Ghana’s First-Year Assessment Forum, held in Accra on February 19, 2026, where the think tank evaluated the administration across six thematic areas, including democracy and governance, anti-corruption and accountability, economic management, environment and social development, foreign affairs, and defence, security and peacebuilding.
Presenting the report, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante observed that President Mahama assumed office in 2025 with a 56 per cent electoral mandate amid declining public trust, high perceptions of corruption, and severe economic challenges. He cited Afrobarometer data showing that only 28 percent of citizens trusted the president prior to the 2024 elections, while 82 per cent perceived corruption in government as widespread.
CDD-Ghana commended the administration for publishing a Code of Conduct for appointees, initiating a Constitutional Review Committee, and expanding civil society consultations on major policy decisions. However, the forum flagged transition-related violence linked to party-affiliated groups and criticized the Presidential Transition Act for failing to adequately regulate lower- and mid-level handovers.
The report raised concerns over Parliament’s frequent use of certificates of urgency, with approximately 54 per cent of bills concluded within a week, a practice that may weaken legislative scrutiny. On the judiciary, CDD described the September 2025 removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146 as unprecedented in the Fourth Republic, urging publication of the full investigative report to strengthen transparency and public confidence. The think tank also highlighted potential civic space constraints, citing arrests of content creators and renewed discussions around the anti-LGBTQ bill.
On anti-corruption, the report welcomed initiatives such as Operation Recover All Loot, amendments to the Public Financial Management Act, and progress toward a new National Anti-Corruption Action Plan. Panelist Beauty Emefa Nartey of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition described current reforms as promising “signals” but emphasized that measurable benchmarks, institutional independence, and sustained funding are essential for lasting change.
Regarding the economy, Prof. Atsu Amegashie noted early achievements including reductions in fuel prices, food inflation falling from 28.3 per cent to 4.9 per cent, lower treasury bill rates, a drop in debt-to-GDP from 61.8 per cent to 45 per cent, and the creation of 330,000 jobs. He cautioned, however, that fiscal sustainability should be assessed relative to revenue, warning against “jobless growth” and urging private-sector-led employment, reduced business costs, and improved monetary transmission.
On the environment, Mr. Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, warned that illegal mining remains a significant threat. He reported that forest reserves affected by mining rose from 45 to 50, with more than 5,500 hectares degraded. Despite over 1,400 arrests, prosecutions remain below four per cent. Bosu noted that enforcement gaps, political interference, and alleged complicity of some security personnel continue to undermine progress, and cautioned that Ghana risks severe water insecurity by 2030 if pollution trends persist.
On defence and security, retired Colonel Festus Aboagye observed that the Ghana Armed Forces remain professional but materially overstretched, citing inherited debt obligations and declining defence budgets. He highlighted government efforts to contain the Bawku conflict through increased military deployment and engagement of an Asante mediation committee, while emphasizing that long-term reform requires sustained peace architecture rather than crisis management.
Col. Aboagye also addressed the August 6 helicopter crash that killed eight personnel and the recruitment exercise in which six young women lost their lives, noting youth unemployment and politicization of recruitment as deeper structural challenges. He called for digital reforms, a defence modernisation audit, a national disarmament strategy, and a return of national security coordination structures to strictly civilian, constitutionally mandated roles.
CDD-Ghana concluded that while the Mahama administration has demonstrated responsiveness and achieved early macroeconomic stabilisation, enforcement gaps and structural weaknesses remain. The think tank urged the government to shift from crisis containment toward institutional redesign capable of delivering durable economic recovery, accountable governance, and sustainable peace.
Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor