John Mahama’s Historic Comeback to the Ghanaian Presidency

John Dramani Mahama has made a remarkable return to the presidency of Ghana, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s political history. After being ousted from office in 2016, Mahama’s comeback in the December 2024 elections not only reestablishes him as a key figure in Ghanaian politics but also makes him the first president in the Fourth Republic to reclaim the presidency after losing it.

Background and Election Victory

Mahama, who previously served as president from January 2013 to January 2017, faced a tumultuous exit from office characterized by economic challenges and allegations of corruption. His administration struggled with an energy crisis and economic mismanagement, leading to his defeat by Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2016. This loss was particularly notable, as it was by one of the largest margins in Ghana’s post-independence electoral history. In his third attempt at the presidency, Mahama ran as the candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and successfully capitalized on widespread economic frustrations among Ghanaians. His campaign focused on restoring economic stability and addressing pressing issues such as unemployment and corruption. On December 9, 2024, provisional results indicated that Mahama secured approximately 56% of the votes, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered around 41%. Bawumia conceded defeat shortly after the polls closed, acknowledging Mahama’s insurmountable lead.

Historical Significance

Mahama’s victory is historic for several reasons:

• First Non-Consecutive Term: He becomes the first politician in Ghana’s history to be elected to a non-consecutive second term. This achievement reflects a shift in voter sentiment and a desire for change after eight years under NPP leadership.
• Female Vice President: His election marks another milestone as he will serve alongside Ghana’s first female Vice President, a significant step towards gender representation in Ghanaian politics.
• Resetting Expectations: During his inauguration on January 7, 2025, Mahama emphasized that this moment should symbolize a “chance to rejuvenate our nation,” aiming to reset expectations after years of economic hardship.

Challenges Ahead

As Mahama begins his new term, he faces considerable challenges. Ghana is currently grappling with severe economic difficulties, including a recent debt default and an ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program worth $3 billion. The electorate’s expectations are high; many Ghanaians are looking for immediate action to address these issues and improve living conditions. In interviews following his victory, Mahama expressed his commitment to strengthening the economy and creating jobs while tackling corruption and illegal mining activities known locally as “galamsey”

Promises

In his first 100 days, Mahama has pledged to eliminate several taxes deemed burdensome by the business community. This includes scrapping the import duty on selected vehicles and equipment for industrial and agricultural purposes, as well as other controversial levies introduced by the previous administration. Mahama has also promised to rationalize import duties and fees to further reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana. In addition to financial measures, Mahama has outlined a series of governance reforms aimed at enhancing accountability within his administration. He has committed to eliminating the payment of ex gratia to political appointees and engaging stakeholders in reviewing political party financing regulations.

Key Actions Taken

One of Mahama’s first major actions was the reduction of the number of ministries from 30 to 23. This decision, formalized through an Executive Instrument on January 9, 2025, is intended to streamline the government structure, enhance efficiency, and cut administrative costs. The newly structured ministries include critical areas such as Finance, Health, Education, and a newly created Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. This realignment is part of Mahama’s vision for a leaner government that prioritizes impactful governance over bureaucracy.

Conclusion

John Mahama’s return to power not only reshapes Ghana’s political landscape but also serves as a testament to resilience in democratic governance. His ability to reconnect with voters disillusioned by previous administrations will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of leadership amid economic recovery efforts. With high hopes from his supporters and significant challenges ahead, Mahama’s presidency represents both a new beginning and a pivotal moment for Ghana.