Why Ghana Should Be Cautious About Mahama's Return

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) wants Ghanaians to believe they have the solutions to the current hardships the country faces. They emphasize the need for a 24-hour economy to bring relief and improve living conditions. Their flagbearer including party members are confident that the 2024 elections are a certainty for the NDC, largely because of the economic difficulties that are driving Ghanaians to seek change. This optimism is supported by some civil society organizations and sections of the media, which seem to favour the NDC's return to power. However, it is perplexing that respected professionals and intellectuals are not critically assessing the NDC's track record but instead endorsing them despite their questionable history.

John Mahama has not demonstrated strong leadership during his presidency from June 2011 to December 2016. He inherited a robust economy from the late President Atta Mills, yet by 2016, Mahama's administration had lost control of key economic indicators. A prime example is the exchange rate, which deteriorated from 1.6 cedis to 4.6 cedis against the dollar. Despite global stability, Ghana experienced artificial economic difficulties and persistent power outages that crippled many businesses. Ghanaians decisively voted Mahama out in 2016, largely due to his clear underperformance and lack of effective pro-poor policies, with a margin of nearly one million votes.

Mahama now seeks another chance to lead Ghana, arguing that his tenure was better than the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. In the 2020 elections, he tried to persuade Ghanaians by highlighting his infrastructure projects but still lost, even with the setbacks caused by COVID-19. His current message focuses on blaming President Akuffo Addo for excessive borrowing and economic decline. However, if Mahama struggled to manage a healthy economy in 2011, it is doubtful he can fix one he claims is severely damaged now.

The NPP, despite its challenges, has a proven record of economic restoration. The global economic impact of COVID-19 has been significant, and Ghana was not spared. The NPP has the potential to restore the economy if given the chance, and breaking the eight-year cycle is an opportunity for Ghanaians to support this restoration. Those advocating for the NDC's return may not fully understand the potential consequences. Ghana might need a competent alternative within the NDC, but Mahama, given his past performance, should not be considered. He has failed to deliver even when handed a thriving economy, and his return could jeopardize Ghana's future stability.