120-days in office: Will Ghana sustain reforms momentum?

As Ghana marks 120 days since President John Mahama took office, scrutiny is on the government's progress in fulfilling key promises outlined in the 2024 National Democratic Congress Manifesto. Out of 26 promises, 19 have been fulfilled, with two in progress, leaving seven yet to be completed. Jervin Naidoo, Political Analyst at Oxford Economics Africa, shared insights on the administration's performance and the sustainability of its momentum. Naidoo commended the achievement of 19 out of 26 promises, rating the government's performance at a solid 7 out of 10. While acknowledging positive strides, Naidoo highlighted challenges, particularly in achieving the ambitious 24-hour economy policy. He raised concerns about the need for legislation, infrastructure, and energy investment to support such a concept. Moreover, the analyst emphasized the complexities surrounding addressing corruption within political appointees and the acquisition of state assets. Although commending the government's efforts to combat corruption, Naidoo expressed skepticism about immediate success, citing political interests and practical limitations. In the mining sector, the establishment of the Gold Board was lauded as a positive step to centralize gold operations and combat illegal mining. Despite the potential benefits, Naidoo cautioned against challenges from international stakeholders and the need for effective enforcement measures to address illegal mining effectively. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the government's progress, highlighting key achievements and continuing challenges in fulfilling its promises.