Ghana's New President Faces High Expectations from Voters

Mahama's victory poses the question: Will he keep his promises to improve the economy and reduce corruption?

Ghana's newly elected President John Mahama is stepping back into office under immense pressure to fulfill the high expectations set by voters who yearn for economic recovery and reform. Winning the recent elections by a substantial margin against Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia—56.6% to 41.6%, marking the lowest voter turnout seen in years—Mahama is receiving encouragement from a populace fatigued by economic hardship. His party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured 183 out of 276 parliamentary seats, a robust position that still falls short of a supermajority needed for smooth legislative processes.

Experts like Nansata Yakubu have praised Mahama's strategic campaigning that led to his comeback after losing the presidency in 2016. His supporters voiced their hopes, exemplified by Belinda Amuzu, a teacher who articulated the need for economic change and accountability in governance. The challenges are steep; Ghanaians have endured a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by a perceived failure of the outgoing administration to manage the economy effectively.

Despite outgoing President Nana Akufo Addo's optimistic state-of-the-nation address touting economic recovery, many—including opposition MPs—dispute this perspective, citing persistent financial struggles for ordinary citizens. Concerns voiced by Ghanaian economist Prof Godfred Bokpin reflect skepticism surrounding Mahama's ambitious plans to expand the economy, create jobs, and reduce taxes. These objectives may require substantial shifts in fiscal policy and management that could take years to realize.

While Mahama has previously faced criticism about his leadership under allegations of corruption, he has vowed to institute significant reforms aimed at addressing this endemic issue. He has put forward initiatives like "Operation Recover All Loot" to investigate misappropriated funds from the previous government.

Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's appointment as vice president marks another significant moment, aiming to emphasize gender equality in leadership. Analysts believe Mahama's past experiences will guide his administration through expected hurdles.

In his victory speech, Mahama recognized the weight of public expectations, asserting, "Our best days are not behind us; our best days are ahead." As he prepares to govern once again, all eyes will be on Mahama to see if he can deliver on his promises to an eager electorate.