Democracy must deliver tangible social benefits to citizens – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has said democracy must go beyond elections and constitutional processes to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

He said citizens must experience the benefits of democracy through better access to food, quality education, decent housing, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Mr Mahama said democratic governance would lose its meaning if it failed to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people.

“I've always believed that democracy must deliver tangible social benefits. Citizens must experience democracy not only through the ballot box every four years, but through improved access to food, quality education, decent housing, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunities,” he said.

The President said Ghana's democratic system is anchored in constitutional governance, the rule of law, human rights and peaceful transitions of power.

He acknowledged that progress under democracy could be slow because it required constitutional processes, popular participation and consensus-building, but argued that such progress was more sustainable.

“Democracy loses its soul when it protects elite privileges while abandoning the vulnerable,” Mr Mahama said.

He said his administration is therefore pursuing a transformative “Resetting Ghana” agenda aimed at translating economic and democratic governance into improvements in citizens' lives.

Mr Mahama highlighted the government's infrastructure programme, including the construction of roads, schools and health facilities, as well as efforts to expand digital connectivity and bridge the rural-urban divide.

He also cited the 24-hour economy and accelerated export development programme as key initiatives intended to increase production, promote value addition in agriculture and mining, and create jobs for young people and women.

The President further highlighted the government's social protection and healthcare interventions, including the free primary healthcare programme, which he said is intended to ensure that Ghanaians could access essential primary healthcare services at the community level without direct cost.