One Year of President John Dramani Mahama: From hope to delivery

January 7, 2026, marks exactly one year since John Dramani Mahama returned to office following his overwhelming victory in the 2024 general elections. That victory was not merely a political event; it was emotional and symbolic.

It reflected a collective decision by Ghanaians to reclaim hope, economic stability, and purposeful leadership at a time when the nation was experiencing fatigue and uncertainty.

I was part of the journey to the elections. I witnessed the sacrifices, resilience, and determination of Ghanaians across communities who believed that the country could once again be placed on a path of fairness, opportunity, and responsible governance.

The inauguration of President Mahama therefore marked not an end, but the beginning of a renewed national mission anchored in accountability and service.

From the very first days in office, the President and his NDC-led government made it clear that governance would take precedence over rhetoric. Immediate steps were taken to stabilize the economy through tighter fiscal discipline, renewed engagement with development partners, and policies aimed at easing the burden on households and businesses.

Efforts to strengthen revenue mobilisation, control wasteful expenditure, and restore confidence in economic management formed the foundation of this recovery phase.

Beyond macroeconomic stabilization, the administration introduced targeted social interventions to directly support vulnerable groups.

The Mahama Cares initiative was rolled out to provide relief and structured support for the most vulnerable in society, reinforcing the belief that economic recovery must be people-centred and inclusive. This programme reaffirmed government’s commitment to social protection, dignity, and shared prosperity.

In parallel, the government reignited its infrastructure-led growth agenda through the Big Push policy, designed to accelerate strategic national infrastructure projects across roads, housing, education, health, and energy.

The Big Push has focused on completing stalled projects, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and laying a strong foundation for long-term growth while ensuring value for money and regional balance.

Institutional reforms have also featured prominently in the first year. Oversight mechanisms have been strengthened, professionalism in public service reinforced, and transparency restored as a core principle of governance.

In education, healthcare, and social services, policies have been reoriented to ensure efficiency, access, and measurable impact rather than mere expansion.

One year on, the impact of these efforts is becoming visible. While challenges remain, there is clarity of purpose and consistency in leadership. Policies are increasingly aligned with campaign commitments, and progress is being assessed by outcomes rather than announcements.

The emphasis has been on steady delivery, consultation, and national interest.

As Ghana marks this important milestone, the story of the first year is simple and reassuring. The hope that carried the nation through the 2024 elections is being matched with deliberate, thoughtful, and measurable action.

Leadership is being defined not by slogans, but by sustained commitment to improving lives and securing the future of the nation.

The journey continues, but Ghana is once again moving forward with confidence and purpose.