Ghana has witnessed a remarkable economic turnaround under the leadership of President John Mahama, culminating in a period of stability and restored purchasing power for its citizens. His first year in office, marked by decisive policy interventions and astute economic management, has resulted in a significant drop in inflation, setting the stage for sustainable growth and development.

The most striking achievement of President Mahama’s first year has been the dramatic reduction in inflation. At the close of December 2024, Ghana’s inflation rate stood at a worrying 23.8%, eroding the value of savings and making it difficult for households to afford essential goods and services. This high inflation rate was a major concern for the government and the Ghanaian people.

However, within a single year, President Mahama’s administration implemented a series of measures that effectively tackled inflationary pressures. Through disciplined fiscal policy, strategic investments, and a focus on boosting domestic production, the government successfully brought inflation down to a single-digit figure of 5.4% by December 2025.

This remarkable achievement is particularly significant because it represents the lowest inflation rate Ghana has experienced since the 1960s. The single-digit inflation rate is not just a statistic; it has a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

The most direct benefit of this achievement is the restoration of purchasing power for Ghanaian households. With inflation under control, the prices of goods and services have stabilised, allowing families to stretch their incomes further and afford more of their needs. This has resulted in an increased standard of living, reducing financial stress and creating a greater sense of economic security.

President Mahama’s economic strategy has focused on several key areas to achieve this success. One crucial aspect has been fiscal discipline. The government has been careful to manage its spending, avoiding excessive borrowing and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently. This has helped to stabilise the national debt and prevent inflationary pressures from building up.

Strategic investments have also played a vital role. The government has prioritised investments in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing. These investments have boosted domestic production, reducing the country’s reliance on imports and creating jobs for Ghanaians.

In the agricultural sector, for example, the government has supported farmers with access to credit, fertilizers, and improved farming techniques. This has led to increased crop yields and lower food prices, further contributing to the reduction in inflation.

Furthermore, the government has focused on improving infrastructure, including roads, railways, and ports. These improvements have facilitated trade and commerce, making it easier for businesses to transport goods and services across the country. This has boosted economic activity and created a more favourable environment for investment.

President Mahama’s success in controlling inflation has not only improved the lives of ordinary Ghanaians but also enhanced the country’s reputation on the international stage. With a stable economy and a predictable business environment, Ghana has become a more attractive destination for foreign investment. This will further boost economic growth and create opportunities for Ghanaian businesses.

The first year of President Mahama’s administration has been marked by a remarkable economic transformation. The sharp drop in inflation, coupled with the restoration of purchasing power for Ghanaian households, has set the stage for a period of sustainable growth and development. While challenges undoubtedly remain, the government’s focus on fiscal discipline, strategic investments, and boosting domestic production provides a solid foundation for building a prosperous future for Ghana. As President Mahama continues his tenure, the nation looks forward to further progress and the realisation of his vision for a better Ghana.

Anthony Obeng Afrane

Dr Ayine said that Ofori-Atta’s detention is part of ongoing extradition processes

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has confirmed that the arrest of the former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, by ICE agents in the United States was due to his US visa being revoked following an extradition request.

Speaking on JoyNews Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Dr Ayine said that Ofori-Atta’s detention is part of ongoing extradition processes, clarifying that it is linked to the revocation of his US visa and not a routine immigration overstay.

“I didn’t make this public, but I started investigating Ofori-Atta. In fact, in his case, I’m doing it with some foreign investigators who are tracking all the offshore dealings and so on. We are also doing our own investigations here. They are inconclusive, as we speak. I mean, we have not come to any conclusion,” Dr Ayine revealed.

Describing the investigations as serious and potentially far-reaching, the Attorney General emphasised that collaboration with US authorities began long before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) issued any public statements.

“So, I started working with the Americans in respect of Ofori-Atta long before OSP came up with the announcement. I started working with them, and I want Ghanaians to know that he just didn’t overstay his visa,” he clarified.

According to Dr Ayine, the US State Department revoked Ofori-Atta’s visa in July and gave him until November 29 to leave the country. His failure to comply prompted enforcement action.

“The visa was actually revoked. So, it’s not that Ofori-Atta overstayed. So, in July, the American State Department revoked his visa, and they gave him up to November 29 to leave the United States. He did not. And then, that is how come that they decided they were going to now pursue him, and arrest him. Actually, the arrest was supposed to occur on January 4th [2026], and they did not do so, but on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, they apprehended him in the Virginia area and took him into custody,” he explained.

He stressed that the matter is far more than an immigration issue. “It’s not exactly about immigration. It was revoked. The visa was revoked. I am telling you this on authority,” he stated.

The AG’s confirmation corroborates statements by the Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, who said that the detention of Ofori-Atta in the United States is directly linked to efforts by the Attorney General’s office to secure his extradition.

Amaliba clarified that the revocation of Ofori-Atta’s US visa and his subsequent arrest were not due to an expired visa or immigration overstay, but resulted from actions initiated by Ghanaian authorities through the Attorney General.

“Now, I can confirm to you that this [Ofori-Atta’s detention] is part of the processes leading up to his extradition, and this is the handiwork of our Attorney General. And I can tell you that it is the Attorney General who, in his attempts to get Ofori-Atta back here, made the US authorities revoke his stay status. His visa has not expired. Manasseh told us that it will be in February, so anybody who writes a letter saying that it is part of the overstay extension is a hoax,” Amaliba stated while speaking on TV3’s Newday on January 9, 2026.