Accra, Feb. 21, – The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has described macroeconomic improvements recorded during the first year of President John Dramani Mahama’s second administration as “exceptional,” while highlighting persistent challenges in governance, anti-corruption and environmental management.
The assessment was presented at the launch of the First-Year Review of the John Mahama II Administration in Accra on Thursday.
Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Policy, Engagement and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana, said declining inflation had translated into slower price increases and, in some cases, real price reductions across key sectors, easing the cost-of-living burden on citizens.
According to the report, fuel prices fell by between four and eight per cent from December 2025 to January 2026, contributing to a 15 per cent drop in commercial transport fares. Food inflation declined sharply from 28.3 per cent in January 2025 to 4.9 per cent by December. The appreciation of the cedi also reduced the cost of imported goods, including medicines and raw materials.
However, the report noted that while disposable incomes improved in major urban centres such as Accra and Kumasi, regional disparities remained, particularly in northern parts of the country where logistical challenges slowed price reductions.
On debt and inflation management, CDD-Ghana cautioned that although government interventions had stabilised the economy, maintaining sustainability through the 2027 debt repayment cycle would be crucial.
In the area of governance, the report observed that the administration took office amid low public confidence, with only 28 per cent of citizens expressing trust in the presidency at the start of 2025. It commended the publication of a Code of Conduct for appointees and the establishment of a Constitution Review Committee as positive reforms.
Nonetheless, it cited concerns over incidents described as vigilante violence, including unlawful entry into public installations such as Ghana Gas. It also pointed to what it termed a “transparency deficit” in the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, noting that the committee’s report had not been made public.
The report further questioned the frequent use of certificates of urgency in Parliament to fast-track legislation, including the Energy Sector Levy Bill.
On local governance, it stated that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies received 80 per cent of their allocated District Assemblies Common Fund resources.
CDD-Ghana highlighted initiatives such as Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), the 2025 Code of Conduct and the fulfilment of the pledge to cap ministerial appointments at 60 as positive steps. However, it said the anti-corruption “Reset” agenda faced credibility challenges due to perceptions of selective justice.
Environmental concerns persisted, with continued reports of illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies.
In education, GH¢9.1 billion was allocated to basic education, while the No Academic Fee Policy benefited more than 120,000 first-year tertiary students.
Under health and social protection, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy improved liquidity and reduced arrears, and the number of LEAP beneficiary households increased to 400,000, with transfers indexed to inflation.
Within the security sector, the transfer of the National Security budget to the Ministry of the Interior was cited as aligning with legal requirements. However, the report described the GH¢6 million monthly cost of the Bawku Security Task Force as financially unsustainable and raised concerns over equipment shortfalls, referencing a helicopter crash in 2025.
The report concluded that the administration’s “Reset Agenda” remained a work in progress, describing it as “credible in its intent but unbalanced in its approach.”
GHBUSS
21 Feb. 2026
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