Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has voiced his concern over what he sees as President Nana Akufo-Addo neglecting his duties, as reflected in the current state of Ghana’s economy.
These comments arise against a backdrop of escalating worries regarding economic challenges and societal issues in the nation. Mahama, who led Ghana as president from 2012 to 2017, articulated these sentiments during a visit to the Omanhene of Bodi in the Western North region. During the visit, he underscored what he perceives as a lack of leadership and commitment from the present administration in addressing critical national issues.
Mahama asserted that Akufo-Addo’s government has failed to fulfill significant promises and exhibited complacency in the face of mounting challenges.
“The economy is in a mess and we need someone with experience to come and fix the economy because it appears that Akufo-Addo has given up. When he asked about how he was going to fix the economic challenges, He [Akufo-Addo] said someone else must take the nation forward.
“The only party that can fix the economy of Ghana is the NDC, we have done it before and we are the only party that can fix Ghana’s economy. At this point what Ghana needs is experience. Someone who has done it before and can do it again.”
John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama’s Legacies
John Dramani Mahama’s tenure as President of Ghana from 2012 to 2017 left a lasting imprint on the nation, marked by both achievements and challenges. Assessing his legacy requires a nuanced examination of the key aspects that defined his presidency.
One of Mahama’s significant accomplishments was his commitment to infrastructure development. The “Better Ghana Agenda,” a flagship policy of his administration, aimed to enhance the country’s socio-economic landscape through substantial investments in roads, schools, hospitals, and energy projects. The completion of major infrastructure projects such as the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra and the Circle Interchange demonstrated his dedication to transforming Ghana’s physical infrastructure.
Economic management under Mahama faced substantial challenges, notably the energy crisis that plagued the nation. The frequent power outages, known as “dumsor,” posed a severe threat to economic activities and daily life. Although his administration implemented measures to address the power deficit, including emergency power agreements and long-term investments in the energy sector, the lingering effects of “dumsor” have left a shadow on his economic legacy.
The oil sector also played a crucial role during Mahama’s presidency. Ghana discovered oil in commercial quantities in 2007, and Mahama’s administration sought to manage the newfound resource responsibly. The establishment of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act and the Ghana National Gas Company demonstrated efforts to ensure transparency and efficiency in the oil sector. However, challenges such as the volatility of oil prices on the global market posed ongoing tests to the effective management of the resource.
In the realm of social intervention programs, Mahama’s government introduced initiatives like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP). These programs aimed to address social inequalities and uplift the living standards of vulnerable populations. The NHIS, in particular, expanded healthcare access, offering Ghanaians financial protection against the high costs of medical care.
On the diplomatic front, Mahama was recognized for his role in promoting peace and stability in the West African region. His efforts in facilitating dialogue during political crises in neighboring countries, such as Togo and Burkina Faso, earned him praise for his commitment to regional stability.
However, Mahama’s legacy also faces criticism, notably regarding corruption allegations within his government. The administration faced accusations of financial mismanagement and corruption scandals, including the infamous GYEEDA scandal, which raised concerns about accountability and transparency.
John Dramani Mahama’s presidency left behind a legacy that reflected, by far, his commitment to infrastructure development, social intervention programs, and regional peace initiatives.
However, challenges in economic management, particularly the energy crisis, and concerns about corruption within his administration have left a mixed legacy that continues to shape public perceptions of his time in office.
READ ALSO: EC Proposes Polls Close At 3 pm
