By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, Jan. 08, GNA – A year ago, President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office for his non-consecutive second term amid hope for economic stability and turnaround.
Twelve months on, Ghana has experienced relative economic stability, marked by reduced inflation and a cedi that has appreciated against the United States dollar and other major currencies
While the gains are visible and the challenges unmistakable, President Mahama stands at a crossroads; an end of the political honeymoon and the beginning of hard public scrutiny.
With public patience running thin for his administration, he is left no option than to prove to Ghanaians that he still remains the best choice a year after returning to the Jubilee house.
An economy on the edge
When President Mahama took office, Ghana’s economy was on the edge with high inflation, a fragile cedi, rising debt pressures in a constrained fiscal space, and a weakened public confidence
Businesses struggled, households tightened their budgets, and investors trod with caution as the country grappled with the lingering effects of debt restructuring and fiscal imbalances.
Against this backdrop, and a promise to pursue a reset agenda, the President and his administration worked at restoring macroeconomic stability rebuilding confidence, and laying the foundation for accelerated growth.
Measured gains
A year on, there appears measurable indicators of progress with Inflation declining steadily a digit, and the Cedi recording appreciation against major foreign currencies, helping to reduce import costs and improve business sentiment.
While Government officials have attributed the improvements to tight fiscal management, monetary discipline, and renewed investor confidence, the President himself has described the progress as a sign of the country regaining the correct direction, but cautioned that recovery remains fragile.
Cautious optimism, political contestation
Despite the gains, for many Ghanaians, they remain cautious about their optimism, while the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) insists that it should be credited for the current economic stability.
They argue that policy measures implemented in the last quarter of 2024 laid the groundwork for the gains currently being enjoyed by the Mahama administration.
Notwithstanding the political contestation, some citizens believe the President’s performance is now entering its true test phase, where words, promises, and policies will be tied to visible performance.
While some Ghanaians are hopeful about continued improvement, others remain cautious, noting that the goodwill that often accompanies a new administration will largely fade. But beyond performance, they want his promises to translate into delivery.
“The honeymoon is over. We have been patient, and it is time for him to deliver on his promises,” said Mr Benjamin Apenuzornya, a business owner.
He said while economic statistics suggest improvement, the impact is yet to be fully felt by ordinary citizens, particularly in employment, housing, and transport costs.
“Even though fuel prices have gone down significantly, we are still paying the same old transport fares,” he said.
Mr Albert Cofie, a young family man and father of two, described youth unemployment as a major concern.
Mr Cofie who was laid off three years ago due to high operational costs at his former workplace said while he remains hopeful, he is yet to personally experience the benefits of the economic gains.
“I understand that inflation is down and the cedi has appreciated, but I remain unemployed,” he said.
Ato is forcing, honeymoon over
As President Mahama enters his second year in office, the challenge before him is clear; to move beyond stabilisation and deliver visible, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
While calls for faster structural reforms, stronger industrial growth, and broader social protection continue to grow, the President in his recent reflections has urged unity, discipline, and collective effort, stressing that leadership is stewardship and that progress requires patience and shared responsibility.
For many Ghanaians however, the coming months will be decisive. What follows will determine whether the early gains become lasting transformation or missed opportunity.
Ato is forcing. Will he still be forcing?
GNA
08 Jan. 2026
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong