“Shift from programme launches to institutional transformation”: IMANI assesses Mahama’s “120-day social contract”

IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has released a detailed assessment of the performance of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration during its first 120 days in office, focusing on progress made under the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s 120-Day Social Contract.

This analysis, part of IMANI’s flagship IMANIFESTO Project, evaluates the extent to which 26 key promises made by the government have been delivered.

According to the think tank’s findings, 13 out of the 26 commitments—representing 50 percent—have been fully delivered. Another 11 promises, or 42 percent, are in progress, while two commitments remain unfulfilled.

IMANI commended the government for showing “visible action on several fronts,” but raised concerns over what it called “weak economic linkages, unclear fiscal implications, and inadequate structural reform” underpinning many of the initiatives.

Some of the high-profile programmes launched so far include Adwumawura, One Million Coders, and the National Apprenticeship Programme, with a combined estimated cost of GHS18.86 billion.

However, IMANI noted these flagship projects “raise concerns about productivity alignment and long-term value.” The think tank also questioned the developmental depth of the 24-Hour Economy initiative, a major campaign promise that is still awaiting legislative and operational clarity.

The establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, capitalised at GHS51.3 million, was acknowledged as a step forward in financial inclusion.

Nonetheless, IMANI pointed out that “its policy niche remains unclear given the existence of similar financial institutions.” On tax reforms, the government has rolled back several levies including the e-levy, emissions levy, and the tax on betting winnings. Yet, the COVID-19 levy persists despite earlier indications it would be scrapped.

IMANI warned that many of the early interventions “lack productivity assessments or measurable economic returns,” highlighting the risk of significant fiscal pressure from expansive programmes that are not grounded in robust cost-benefit analyses. The organisation further expressed concern about “persistent governance issues—political interference, opaque procurement, and underperforming SOEs,” which continue to undermine institutional effectiveness.

In its policy recommendations, IMANI urged the government to align flagship programmes with clear economic outcomes, conduct detailed fiscal impact assessments before large-scale spending, and drive systemic reforms in state-owned enterprises through partnerships with the private sector. “Delivery alone is not reform,” the report emphasised. “The administration must now shift from programme launches to institutional transformation.”

Ultimately, while acknowledging the government’s active start, IMANI cautioned that without bold structural reforms, Ghana risks returning to a familiar cycle of “high spending with limited impact.”

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, promising to continue tracking government performance and amplifying citizen voices to ensure accountability and meaningful progress.