By Ashiadey Dotse
Winning an election is no easy feat—it takes a convincing plan and clear promises to win the hearts of voters. Now, with the election over, Ghanaians are eagerly awaiting action.
President-elect John Dramani Mahama has wasted no time in laying out his ambitious plans for the first 120 days of his presidency, pledging swift action to address key issues facing the nation.
From scrapping unpopular taxes to fighting corruption and improving education, Mahama’s vision promises a new beginning. Here’s a closer look at his key commitments and what Ghanaians are expecting from his leadership.
Mahama’s 120-Day Plan: A Promise of Change
In his first four months in office, Mahama has outlined several major initiatives, including:
Scrapping Draconian Taxes: Eliminating the COVID-19 levy, e-levy, betting tax, and taxes on industrial and agricultural equipment to reduce the cost of living and doing business.
Economic Stability: Launching a homegrown fiscal policy to stabilize the economy and reduce financial burdens.
Corruption Cleanup: Initiating forensic audits into high-profile scandals such as the National Cathedral, COVID-19 expenditures, and missing excavators.
Boosting Education: Providing free tuition for first-year students in public tertiary institutions and distributing free sanitary pads to girls in primary and secondary schools.
Social Safety Nets: Compensating flood victims and supporting persons with disabilities through expanded food distribution programs.
Export Promotion: Establishing an Accelerated Export Development Council to create jobs and transform the economy.
Environmental Recovery: Restoring lands and water bodies affected by illegal mining (galamsey).
Ghanaian Voices: What Citizens Expect
As Mahama sets these ambitious goals, Ghanaians are voicing their expectations for the incoming administration:
Illegal Mining: Many want immediate action to stop galamsey and restore polluted rivers and water bodies.
Lower Import Duties: Importers are calling for reduced taxes on vehicles to make them affordable.
Affordable Housing: Citizens are urging a review of rent laws to address high housing costs.
Market Price Controls: Some want standardized prices for essential goods to curb exploitation.
Public Service Reforms: Junior police officers are hoping for opportunities to advance their education and careers.
Voices of the People
An importer, stressed the need to reduce excessive car import taxes, saying they make vehicles unaffordable for ordinary Ghanaians. Mustafa suggested introducing price controls in markets to stabilize the cost of goods. Meanwhile, others urged reforms in housing policies to ensure fair rent practices.
These voices represent a larger sentiment: Ghanaians are ready for change and are holding Mahama to his word.
A Test of Leadership
With deadlines set for April 7 and May 7, the clock is ticking for President-elect Mahama to deliver on his promises. If successful, these plans could set the tone for a transformative presidency. But as expectations soar, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if this new chapter will truly lead to a better Ghana.
Mahama’s 120-day action plan is not just a roadmap—it’s a social contract with the people. Can he turn these promises into tangible results? Only time will tell.
