President Mahama, Protect the Trust and Make This Ghana’s Moment of Transformation

Ghana has been through difficult years. Economic hardship, unemployment, rising living costs, public debt, concerns about accountability and declining confidence in public institutions have placed enormous pressure on ordinary citizens.

Today, however, there is a renewed sense of hope. Under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana is showing encouraging signs of economic stability and recovery. Inflation has fallen significantly, economic growth has strengthened, and confidence is gradually returning.

These developments deserve recognition. But they should also come with a warning: this is not the time for complacency. It is the time to turn recovery into transformation.

Mr President, many Ghanaians want your administration to succeed because they want Ghana to succeed. Protect that trust.

One of the best ways to do so is through transparency. Government should not wait for controversies before accounting to the public. Ministers and heads of public institutions should regularly explain what they have promised, what they have achieved, how public resources have been used, what challenges remain and what they intend to do next.

When legitimate questions are asked, answer them with facts. When allegations are incorrect, correct them with evidence. When mistakes are made, acknowledge and correct them.

A government confident in its achievements does not need insults to defend its record.

The recent exchange involving GoldBod Chief Executive Sammy Gyamfi and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin offers an important lesson. Whatever the political disagreement, an opportunity to account to the public should remain exactly that—an opportunity to demonstrate transparency, competence and professionalism.

Personal attacks distract from the substance. Figures, documents and clear explanations are far more powerful.

President Mahama should therefore insist that ministers, chief executives and political appointees communicate with discipline and respect, even when confronted with difficult or politically motivated questions. Public communication is part of governance.

There is also a deeper challenge facing the administration.

Governments often measure success differently from ordinary citizens. Government may celebrate falling inflation, stronger reserves, improved growth or better fiscal indicators. These are important achievements, but citizens experience the economy differently.

The ordinary Ghanaian asks: Can I find a decent job? Can I afford food and transportation? Can my business survive? Can my children receive quality education? Can I access good healthcare? Can a young graduate build a future in Ghana without political connections?

That is why government must increasingly address the needs of Ghanaians from the perspective of the people.

Macroeconomic stability must eventually reach the household. Economic growth must create jobs. Investment must create opportunities. Infrastructure must increase productivity. Education must prepare young people for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Otherwise, impressive economic statistics will mean little to citizens struggling with everyday life.

Unemployment, particularly among young people, therefore deserves urgent attention. Agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, technology, tourism, mining value addition, renewable energy and small businesses can become powerful engines of employment.

Ghana cannot sustainably transform by continuing to import many of the things its own young people are capable of producing.

Government programmes should consequently be measured not simply by the amount of money allocated or the number of projects announced, but by sustainable jobs created, businesses strengthened, exports generated and communities transformed.

President Mahama must also encourage his ministers to remain focused. Opposition criticism will always exist in a democracy. Ministers should respond where necessary, correct misinformation with evidence and return their attention to delivering results.

Every minister should constantly ask three questions: What problem did I inherit? What measurable difference am I making? What will be demonstrably better when I leave office?

There is an even greater legacy available to President Mahama: strengthening Ghana's institutions.

Accountability should become routine rather than exceptional. Procurement must become more transparent. Government performance information should be accessible. Ministers should have measurable targets. Institutions responsible for auditing and accountability must be allowed to work effectively.

Most importantly, accountability must apply equally to political opponents and members of the government.

Ghanaians have witnessed periods of economic recovery before, only to return to excessive borrowing, fiscal indiscipline and economic hardship. This cycle must end.

The goal of the Mahama administration should therefore not simply be to repair Ghana for another electoral cycle. It should be to change the country's trajectory.

Build an economy that produces more of what Ghana consumes.

Create opportunities that encourage young Ghanaians to build their futures at home.

Connect education with employment and industry.

Use Ghana's natural resources to create greater value within the country.

Build institutions strong enough to survive changes of government.

And make competence, integrity and measurable results the defining characteristics of public service.

President Mahama has something few political leaders receive: another opportunity to lead the country after previously serving as President. That makes this presidency particularly significant. It provides an opportunity not simply to govern again, but to demonstrate what experience can teach leadership.

Ghanaians do not expect perfection. But they have every right to expect competence, humility, transparency, accountability and progress.

Mr President, continue what is working. Correct what is not. Listen beyond the political class. Demand professionalism from your ministers. Account regularly to the people. Maintain fiscal discipline even when the economy improves.

Above all, never underestimate the intelligence of the Ghanaian citizen.

If this administration can combine economic stability with jobs, transparent governance, stronger institutions and tangible improvements in everyday life, Ghana can emerge from its recent difficulties stronger than before.

Mr President, this is Ghana's opportunity to transform. Protect the trust, keep your team focused, and let results and evidence speak louder than political confrontation.

History will ultimately judge this administration not by the promises it made or the arguments it won, but by the Ghana it leaves behind.

Dr. Isaac Yaw Asiedu
https://rethinkingafrica.org

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