Economic Stabilisation Exceptional, Governance Mixed – CDD Assesses Mahama
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Mahama II: Strong Economic Gains, Governance Concerns - CDD-Ghana Report
February 19, 2026
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has described President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in his second term as a “story of promising signals constrained by structural realities,” noting that while the Reset Agenda shows credible intent, its delivery has been uneven across key sectors.
In its comprehensive one-year assessment of the Mahama II administration, CDD-Ghana acknowledged that the government inherited a nation marked by deep public distrust, with only 28% of citizens expressing confidence in the presidency at the start of 2025.
Governance and Institutional Reforms
The report commended the administration for publishing a Code of Conduct for political appointees and establishing a Constitution Review Committee (CRC II). However, it also raised concerns about governance setbacks during the transition period.
CDD-Ghana cited incidents of vigilante violence by NDC-affiliated groups who reportedly stormed public installations, including Ghana Gas. It further criticised what it termed a “transparency deficit” surrounding the unprecedented removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, noting that the committee’s report on the matter was never made public.
In Parliament, the NDC’s two-thirds majority was said to have enabled the frequent use of “certificates of urgency” to fast-track legislation, including the Energy Sector Levy Bill, without what the think tank described as meaningful deliberation.
Macroeconomic Stabilisation Praised
Despite governance concerns, CDD-Ghana gave the administration high marks for what it described as “exceptional” macroeconomic stabilisation.
The report highlighted improvements in local government financing, noting that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) received 80% of earmarked District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocations—significantly higher than the 40–50% average recorded under the previous administration.
On inflation and debt management, the Reset Agenda was credited with focusing squarely on addressing debt distress and runaway inflation. However, CDD cautioned that the real test will come in sustaining these gains through the 2027 debt repayment cycle.
Anti-Corruption: Strong Rhetoric, Mixed Outcomes
While President Mahama fulfilled his campaign promise to cap ministerial appointments at 60, the anti-corruption drive faces credibility challenges.
CDD-Ghana welcomed symbolic initiatives such as the launch of “Operation Recover All Loots” (ORAL) and the introduction of the 2025 Code of Conduct. However, it criticised the GH¢20,000 gift threshold under the Code as “alarmingly high,” warning that it could create loopholes for corruption.
The report also pointed to perceptions of selective justice, suggesting that the Attorney General has appeared more aggressive toward opposition figures while showing leniency toward individuals aligned with the government.
Environmental Crisis Deepens
On the environmental front, the assessment painted a troubling picture. CDD-Ghana reported that 50 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves are currently under siege from illegal mining activities.
In communities such as Konongo Zongo, soil mercury levels reportedly exceed safety guidelines by 560%. The think tank estimated that restoring just three major river basins would cost an estimated GH¢105.4 billion, underscoring the scale of the environmental challenge.
Social Development: Restoration Over Transformation
The social development sector was characterised as one of “restoration and stabilisation” rather than sweeping transformation.
In education, a historic GH¢9.1 billion allocation was made to basic education, while the “No Academic Fee Policy” supported over 120,000 first-year tertiary students.
In health, uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) improved liquidity and reduced arrears owed to healthcare providers.
Social protection also expanded, with LEAP beneficiary households increasing to 400,000 and transfers now indexed to inflation.
Foreign Affairs and Security
CDD-Ghana noted that Ghana has reasserted its continental influence by appointing a Special Envoy to the Sahel and serving as an African Union Champion on Reparatory Justice. However, it warned of coordination challenges with ECOWAS and limited transparency in migration partnerships.
In the security sector, the transfer of the National Security budget to the Ministry of Interior was praised as a fulfillment of legal requirements. Nonetheless, the report flagged the GH¢6 million monthly cost of the Bawku Security Task Force as financially unsustainable and criticised the continued failure to modernise military equipment, referencing a 2025 helicopter crash.
Overall Verdict
CDD-Ghana concluded that President Mahama’s Reset Agenda remains a work in progress. While credible in its intent and marked by significant macroeconomic improvements, the administration must address governance lapses, environmental degradation, and anti-corruption implementation gaps to fully realise its reform ambitions.
