The 66-year-old veteran politician, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, faces the daunting task of steering Africa’s once-celebrated economic success story back to stability.
Mahama’s return to power marks a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape, as he replaces outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo in a peaceful transition that stands in stark contrast to the military coups plaguing neighboring nations.
The December 7 election saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader defeat ruling party candidate Mahamudu Bawumia, in a contest that regional observers praised as largely peaceful.
The new president has wasted no time addressing the country’s mounting challenges. “We’re facing a critical situation in the energy sector,” Mahama declared, pinpointing the electricity company of Ghana as the “sick man” of the utility chain requiring urgent intervention.
This frank assessment comes as the nation battles persistent power outages that have hampered both daily life and economic recovery.
In a race against time, Ghana’s parliament recently passed a provisional budget allowing for 68.1 billion Ghanaian cedis (€4.2 billion) in government spending through March, narrowly averting what could have been an unprecedented shutdown.
The marathon parliamentary session, which stretched deep into the night, underscores the precarious economic situation Mahama inherits.
Tackling corruption stands at the forefront of Mahama’s agenda. Making good on his campaign promises, he has already appointed a five-member anti-corruption task force charged with recovering misappropriated state funds and investigating graft in the West African nation.
The move has garnered praise from anti-corruption advocates, including Emmanuel Wilson Junior of Crusaders Against Corruption, who called it “a step in the right direction” while urging swift action.
The new administration’s reform agenda extends beyond domestic concerns. Even before taking office, Mahama demonstrated his commitment to regional partnerships by traveling to Kenya for talks with President William Ruto, signaling Ghana’s intent to strengthen ties with other stable African democracies.
For many Ghanaians, Mahama’s return represents hope for economic revival. His pledge to implement a “24-hour economy” has particularly resonated with the business community. Andrew Takyi, founder of fintech company Zee Pay, sees potential in the initiative to “widen the tax base of small and medium enterprises to improve revenue.”
The extractive industry, a crucial sector of Ghana’s economy, is also anticipating reforms. “I expect policies that promote value addition, local content development and community engagement,” said Innocent Appiah, a senior media research officer at the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, suggesting a broader vision for the sector’s contribution to national development.
Human rights organizations have also weighed in on the transition, with Amnesty International calling on the new administration to prioritize gender equality, freedom of peaceful assembly, and environmental protections.
These priorities align with Mahama’s campaign promise to “reset” the country, a message that particularly resonated with young Ghanaians seeking relief from the cost-of-living crisis.
For Mahama, the journey to this third presidency has been marked by persistence. After serving as communications minister, he first assumed the presidency in July 2012 following the death of President John Evans Atta Mills. He went on to win the subsequent election, serving until January 2017, before facing two unsuccessful bids to reclaim the office.
The public’s expectations for meaningful change run high. “There was so much corruption under President Akufo-Addo and all we want is the recovery of all that had been stolen to rebuild the country,” said Enyonam Agble, a trader attending the inauguration, echoing widespread demands for accountability.
As Ghana navigates this critical transition, Mahama’s administration faces the complex challenge of balancing economic recovery with social justice. In a region where democratic institutions have recently faced severe tests, Ghana’s peaceful transfer of power offers a beacon of hope.
Yet the true measure of this third Mahama presidency will lie not in its historic nature, but in its ability to deliver on the promise of economic renewal and transparent governance that brought him back to power. WireJA
