Today marks exactly one year since President John Dramani Mahama, dressed like a man who knew this was serious business but also knew the cameras would never forget, took the oath of office for his second coming.
For President Mahama, it was not his first oath, but it was certainly the most loaded. This was not a debut; it was a comeback. And like all comebacks, it came with applause, expectations, and a long list of people saying, “This time, do better.”
When Mahama returned to Jubilee House on January 7, 2025, he did so at a moment of national fatigue. The economy was strained, public confidence had thinned, and many Ghanaians were less interested in political poetry than in practical relief. His mandate, therefore, was clear: stabilise first, then reset.
He wasted little time setting the tone. One of his earliest moves was the dissolution of boards, a signal that the old order was being cleared for a new structure. Appointments soon followed, though not without surprise. Some names long predicted in political whisper circles never showed up, while others emerged quietly.
I vividly recall asking the late Dr. Omane Boamah on inauguration day if he would gladly accept the Health Ministry, as he seemed well-suited for it. But Mahama appointed him as Minister of Defence, a choice that reminded the country that he was not returning to fulfil anyone’s personal prophecy.
Fast forward to February, the President delivered his State of the Nation Address, laying out a sobering but deliberate assessment of Ghana’s condition. It was less of a rallying speech and more of a doctor’s report—honest, detailed, and occasionally uncomfortable, especially for the NPP caucus, now the “super minority.”
Fiscal reforms, spending discipline, and urgent measures to restore confidence in public finances were highlighted, setting the tone for his first year.
This made even more sense when, on March 6, President Mahama chose a modest Independence Day celebration, cancelling the rotational hosting arrangement he deemed unnecessarily costly. In a country accustomed to grand parades and heavy logistics, the scaled-down event was praised, and the message landed: the era of excessive symbolism was paused.
Cost-cutting became a running theme. Mahama insisted on a lean administration, trimming excess and signalling restraint at the very top, as he appointed 60 ministers—a move that surprised even critics in a political class often accused of living large while preaching sacrifice.
By May, the 120-day social contract had run its course. Key promises were fulfilled: the E-levy was scrapped, betting taxes were removed, and a few other relief measures reached citizens. While debates about revenue and fiscal sustainability continue, the political statement was clear: Mahama intended to ease pressure on households immediately.
At his first UN General Assembly since returning to office, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s economic recovery, climate change efforts, and commitment to regional peace. His speech drew praise for its clarity and ambition.
Beyond policy and administration, the year has had moments of galamsey and drama.
There were high-profile launches of initiatives, including Blue Water Guards and NAIMOS.
There were also moments of tragedy and personal loss. The nation mourned a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of some of the President’s closest aides and colleagues.
President Mahama’s suspension and removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo over alleged misconduct sparked major controversy. While he nominated Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as her replacement, critics questioned the move’s impact on judicial independence, and the former Chief Justice challenged her removal in court, making it one of the year’s most debated episodes.
Despite the weight of governance, Mahama has been swift in addressing trending issues, often noting with a touch of self-deprecating humour that he keeps up with TikTok to know what citizens care about. This attentiveness translated into decisive actions and directives.
One year on, the verdict is neither euphoric nor dismissive. Mahama’s comeback has been steady, cautious, corrective, and responsive.
The reset is not complete. Jobs, incomes, completion of roads, Operation Recover All the Loot, and the fight against illegal mining remain the ultimate tests.
From inauguration to reality, the first 365 days suggest a president governing with the awareness that this chapter is not about returning, but about how he will be remembered.
He has managed tragedy, celebrated progress, and kept a finger on the pulse of public sentiment, all while quietly steering the ship of state.
On we go, second year, Mr. President.
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