Mahama administration trying to set new tone – Osae-Kwapong

Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, a research fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and political analyst, has offered an early assessment of President John Mahama’s administration during its first 102 days in office.

According to him, the current government appears to be setting a different tone compared to Mahama’s previous administration, which ended in a 2016 electoral defeat.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, April 19, he highlighted key actions such as limiting the number of ministers to no more than 60—a campaign promise—and addressing immediate concerns, including unpopular policies like the E-levy.

“I believe the John Mahama administration is trying to set a different tone. At least from my observation, compared to his first administration and what led to his loss in 2016,” he said.

“I mean putting a government together, ensuring that he is sticking with his promise of no more than 60 ministers—some of those key things, low-hanging fruits that you can immediately tackle. The E-levy, a very unpopular policy.”

While acknowledging these efforts, Dr. Osae-Kwapong noted that several issues remain unresolved.

“…But you also still have a number of things outstanding. Overall though, my initial assessment is that again, if you look at the budget, they have signaled where they want to place their priorities, how they want to spend or not spend. They are putting in place a good framework that will allow them to govern the way President Mahama foresees his current government.”

However, he cautioned that the administration’s full trajectory and impact cannot be determined within just four months.

“As to how it all plays, I think it will take more than 120 days.”