John Mahama Faces Pressure to Fix Ghana’s Economy After Big Election Win
John Mahama, Ghana’s former president, won last month’s elections by a huge margin, but now the real challenge begins. As he steps into office, Mahama is under great pressure to meet the high expectations of voters who are hoping for quick solutions to the country’s economic struggles, according to a report by the BBC.
After suffering more than three years of financial hardship, many Ghanaians want immediate relief. Mahama made big promises during his campaign, including creating more jobs and fighting corruption. But turning those promises into reality won’t be easy. He returned to power after eight years in opposition, running what political experts like Nansata Yakubu have called a brilliant campaign.
Mahama defeated Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia by securing 56.6% of the votes, compared to Bawumia’s 41.6%. This marked the largest victory margin in 24 years. His party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also gained control of parliament, winning 183 out of 276 seats. However, they are still one seat short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass laws without help from other parties, says the BBC.
Despite Mahama’s win, voter turnout was lower than in the 2020 elections, especially in areas that traditionally support the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Analysts believe some NPP supporters didn’t vote because they were unhappy with how the previous government performed.
Speaking to the BBC, a teacher named Belinda Amuzu from Tamale, a stronghold of Mahama’s party, said she hopes the new government will improve the economy and punish corrupt officials. The phrase “the hardship” is now commonly used by Ghanaians to describe their struggles after the economy hit rock-bottom in 2022, which hurt Bawumia’s reputation as an “economic expert” and contributed to his loss.
Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, however, claimed in his final address that he is leaving behind a better economy with international reserves of nearly $8 billion—more than what his administration inherited in 2017. Yet, opposition MPs disagree. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Boah, an opposition MP, told the BBC that ordinary Ghanaians are still facing serious financial difficulties.
According to economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin, Mahama’s government will face many difficulties. He explained to the BBC that Ghana needs honest leadership, a smaller government, and more efficient services. Mahama has promised to reduce the number of ministers from over 80 to around 60, though Prof. Bokpin believes even that is too large.
Mahama has also pledged to transform Ghana into a “24-hour economy” by promoting nighttime businesses with tax breaks and lower electricity costs. However, critics doubt whether he can deliver on these promises, pointing out that Ghana experienced a severe electricity crisis during his previous term, earning him the nickname “Mr. Dumsor” (which means “on and off” in Twi).
Prof. Bokpin told the BBC he is not convinced Mahama’s promises will be fulfilled because there isn’t enough money in the budget. He believes real economic change could take 15 years of consistent good policies, something Ghana has struggled with in the past.
Meanwhile, Mahama plans to negotiate with the IMF to ease the terms of Ghana’s $3 billion bailout so that funds can be used for programs that directly help citizens. In an earlier interview with the BBC, Mahama explained that balancing government spending and revenue will be key to freeing up resources for social welfare.
Apart from economic challenges, fighting corruption remains a priority. Mahama has promised to prosecute corrupt officials and has launched “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) to investigate state assets allegedly stolen by outgoing government officials. During his speech, Mahama said Ghana cannot afford to disappoint its people.
As Mahama prepares to take office, political analyst Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante told the BBC that Mahama’s experience as a former president gives him an edge, but he must act quickly to meet voters’ expectations. If not, Ghanaians will not hesitate to punish him politically, just as they did with the NPP.
In his victory speech, Mahama acknowledged the high hopes of Ghanaians, stating: “Our best days are not behind us; our best days are ahead of us. Forward ever—backwards never.”
This simplified version of the news, with unique perspectives, is based on a report by the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vkyk3v02xo