President-elect John Dramani Mahama, on his official website johnmahama.org, has announced his “First 120 Days Social Contract with the People of Ghana,” an initiative he plans to embark on after being inaugurated as President on January 7, 2025.
These policies, under his administration, are designed to provide swift solutions to his social intervention pledges and decisive actions on economic stability, infrastructure, and social equity for all citizens. This initiative forms part of his 2024 manifesto pledge and incorporates key reforms and policies to be executed during the early stages of his administration.
As stated in his campaign message of leadership and accountability to Ghanaians, let us delve into the “Top 10 Policies” expected in his first 120 days as President:
1. Nominate within the First 14 Days the complete list of Cabinet Ministers for Parliamentary Approval
As part of the “Building the Ghana We Want” agenda by the NDC, President Mahama is expected to appoint competent Cabinet Ministers for Parliamentary Approval. This includes selecting key officials to lead government ministries, agencies, and special initiatives, such as the National Apprentice Programme.
Critical appointments, including that of the Finance Minister, will play a pivotal role in managing the economy. These ministers will assist in implementing policies and ensuring the smooth operation of the government’s agenda.
2. Constitute the Leanest and Most Efficient Government in his First 90 Days in Office.
The public, economists, and political groups, such as Occupy Ghana, have consistently called for reducing the size of government to reduce state expenditure. Responding to these calls, President Mahama stated in a media engagement in July 2024 that his administration would run a lean and highly efficient government with no more than 60 ministers and deputy ministers.
This approach will likely involve merging specific ministries and agencies with overlapping functions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
3. Establish a Robust Code of Conduct and Standards for all Government Officials
During the same media engagement, Mahama emphasised his commitment to holding government officials accountable. He pledged to establish clear ethical guidelines, including transparency, integrity, and professionalism, to govern public officials’ conduct.
The establishment of a robust code of conduct for all government officials will be a good measure for Ghanaians to assess the conduct of each government official and eventually make a decision in subsequent elections. Mechanisms such as regular audits, whistleblower protections, and penalties will ensure adherence to these standards, fostering trust and accountability in governance.
4. Hold a National Economic Dialogue to Discuss Homegrown Fiscal Consolidation Solutions
This policy aims to convene forums with key stakeholders to address Ghana’s economic challenges and devise locally driven solutions. President Mahama has already engaged groups like the Ghana Pentecostal & Charismatic Council to discuss issues such as tax rationalisation and economic reforms.
These dialogues are expected to yield actionable strategies for fiscal stability and economic recovery.
5. Scrap E-levy, Covid levy, 10% on Bet Winnings, and Emissions Levy Within First 90 Days in Office
President Mahama has pledged to eliminate burdensome levies that strain citizens and businesses. Scrapping these taxes will reduce financial pressure on Ghanaians, attract foreign investment, and stimulate job creation.
6. Commence Drafting Needed Legal Amendments and Prepare for Implementing the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
The 24-hour economy initiative aims to revitalise key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, and financial services. High-traffic public institutions, such as ports and customs offices, will operate round the clock to boost efficiency and productivity.
A new Employment Act, developed in consultation with stakeholders, will complement this policy, ensuring its smooth implementation and creating job opportunities.
7. Implement the ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
To ease financial burdens and increase access to education, President Mahama has pledged to exempt first-year students in public tertiary institutions from paying academic fees. This policy will involve collaboration with universities, the Ministry of Education, and financial institutions to ensure effective implementation.
This policy holds the potential of an increase in enrolment, which could lead to a need for expanded resources like classrooms, staff, and other facilities.
8. Institute a Government Policy Banning Political Appointees from Purchasing State Assets.
At the NDC manifesto launch in Winneba, Mahama vowed to prohibit political appointees from acquiring state assets. A State Assets Registry will be established to monitor and protect public property, preventing the misuse of state resources and deterring corruption.
From these highlights, we are to expect rigorous investigations and sanctions on individuals who have purchased state assets and the enforcement of laws on the purchase of state property to serve as a caution to deter other state officials from purchasing state property.
9. Institute a forensic audit into the banking sector collapse, covid-19 expenses, other “reckless” NPP spending, and scandals.
The banking sector clean-up happened in 2017; this exercise saw the licenses revoked of several banks, microfinance institutions, and savings and loan companies that were found to have varying degrees of corporate governance lapses. During the 2020 COVID period, benevolent individuals, denominations, organisations, and other entities contributed funds to assist the government in its interventions to save lives and businesses.
As part of Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) agenda to enforce accountability among public officials, particularly members of the outgoing NPP administration, we are to expect the uncovering of all government exploitation.
The ORAL (Operation Recover All Loot) agenda will focus on auditing controversial expenditures, such as the banking sector collapse and COVID-19 funds. Investigations will aim to recover public funds and hold officials accountable for misconduct.
10. Reopen probe into 2020 election killings, by-election violence, murder of Ahmed Suale, and others.
President Mahama has pledged to reopen investigations into unresolved cases, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, 2020 election killings, and the murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale. These probes are expected to ensure justice and accountability for victims and their families.
With the above anti-corruption and economic recovery policies by John Dramani Mahama, Ghanaians are to expect the implementation of economic security, recovery, and restoration measures to investigate, prosecute, and recover proceeds of corruption; usher in an era of transparency and accountability in the management of the state; and ensure the completion and continuation of the NPP government projects such as the Free SHS. You can find all 26 social contracts with the people of Ghana here: johnmahama.org
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