President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a national address marking his first 120 days in office, saying, his government has fulfilled the promises it made to Ghanaians.
The President made the statement on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when he delivered a full account on his administration’s achievements since being sworn in on January 7.
The President started by announcing that his government has formed the leanest administration under the Fourth Republic, with only 56 ministers and deputies appointed so far. He said this is part of his promise to form a lean and efficient government.
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) have also been nominated and are going through confirmation processes to complete the local governance structure.
He also introduced a new Code of Conduct for government officials, which includes clear rules about gifts, hampers, and a ban on government appointees purchasing state properties either directly or indirectly. He warned that any breaches of this code would attract strong consequences.
“I have left my appointees in no doubt that I will bring down the hammer swiftly and strongly if they breach any of its provisions,” he added.
He highlighted that a National Economic Dialogue was held on March 3 and 4, bringing together key groups like the private sector, academia, and civil society to discuss the economy and suggest solutions.
Their recommendations have already led to changes, including new fiscal rules and tax reforms. The Public Financial Management Act was amended to reduce national debt to 45% of GDP by 2034 and set an annual budget surplus target of at least 1.5%.
The amendment also introduces an independent fiscal council to oversee government spending. Now, the Finance Ministry must issue approval before any government-funded project starts.
On tax reliefs, President Mahama added that his government has scrapped the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Emissions Levy, and the Betting Tax within the promised 90-day period.
The COVID Levy, however, is tied to the country’s existing IMF programme and will be addressed during a broader VAT review later in the year. Other new laws have also been passed to improve the tax system and provide more economic relief, including changes to VAT on vehicles and income tax.
He added that, to support businesses, government is reviewing taxes on imported equipment for agriculture and industry. The results will inform the Mid-Year and 2026 Budgets.
The 24-hour economy initiative is now underway, with agencies like DVLA, Passport Office, and Ghana Publishing Company offering round-the-clock services. The Youth Employment Agency will soon deploy 20,000 graduates to support 24-hour businesses.
Plans are also in place to assign 23,000 security personnel and strengthen night patrols. Government is working with PURC on special electricity tariffs for off-peak industrial use, and Cabinet has approved changes to investment and labour laws to help implement the 24-hour system.
President Mahama also launched the Accelerated Export Development Council and inaugurated a 19-member advisory committee, which he chairs.
This council is meant to boost exports by monitoring performance, reviewing policies, and addressing inefficiencies at the ports and in export documentation. He said that Ghana is losing about $4.3 billion annually due to inefficiencies in the export sector.
The goal is to significantly increase non-traditional exports from the current $3.5 billion by 2028 and to position Ghana as a key regional exporter under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On education, the President confirmed that a National Consultative Conference was held to review and improve the education system.
Over 2,000 proposals were received and 20,000 people were surveyed, particularly on Free SHS. The report from this consultation is expected by the end of May.
The ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions has also been implemented. He announced that GH¢452.9 million has been allocated to cover academic facility user fees for over 156,000 students.
The government has directed GETFUND to pay tertiary school fees directly to institutions so that students receive timely support. A new portal called ‘No-Fees-Stress’ is now live, making it easier for first-year students to apply and confirm their eligibility.
As part of social interventions, Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities is set to begin, with budget allocations already made for the 2025/2026 academic year. GETFUND is also preparing to disburse funds after receiving necessary data from the Education Ministry.
Another intervention, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), was officially launched on April 29, 2025. It supports Ghanaians living with chronic illnesses not covered by NHIS. President Mahama pledged six months of his salary, while Vice President Naana Jane pledged four months.
All government appointees are required to contribute at least one month’s salary. The public can contribute via the shortcode *255#. The fund’s governing board is yet to be established, and a draft bill will soon go to Parliament.
To support girls’ education and hygiene, President Mahama also re-launched the free sanitary pad initiative on April 24, 2025. GH¢292.4 million was allocated for the year. Over six million pads will be distributed each term or semester through the Ghana Education Service across all 261 districts, with health education included.
To ensure transparency and fight corruption, various investigations and audits have been initiated. The Health Minister is reviewing the Auditor General’s COVID-19 report, while scandals like Sputnik-V, the collapse of local banks, and the National Cathedral are under investigation. Charges have been filed in cases like the 13th African Games and ghost names at the National Service. A policy now bans political appointees from purchasing state assets, with violations resulting in dismissal.
Additionally, he adde that seed money of GH¢51.3 million has been allocated for a Women’s Development Bank to support women entrepreneurs. Job creation programmes have also been launched. The ‘Adwumawura’ initiative supports 10,000 youth businesses annually, with funding for 2,000 promising startups.
The National Apprenticeship Programme will train 500,000 youth over five years, starting with 10,000 apprentices. The ‘One Million Coders’ programme has also begun, starting with a pilot in four regions.
The government is reviewing the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 to lift the ban on imported salvaged cars. A draft bill is being prepared after consultations with stakeholders.
To reform scholarship distribution, a new Ghana Scholarships Authority bill has been approved by Cabinet and will soon go before Parliament. It will focus on transparency and prioritising needy students.
Environmental protection measures have also started. Illegal mining in forest reserves has been banned, with LI 2462 laid before Parliament. The Blue Water Initiative is cleaning rivers and deploying water guards, while the Tree for Life Initiative, launched in March, aims to plant 20 million trees annually.
The Black Star Experience tourism initiative was launched on May 1, 2025. It includes year-round themed events to promote Ghana’s culture and attract tourists.
To reform the security sector, investigations have begun into recruitment and militia infiltration. The Ghana Armed Forces is reviewing recruitment practices and setting up biometric checks. Other agencies like Police and Fire Service are following suit.
Investigations into past violent incidents, including election-related killings and the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale, have been reopened. Arrests and trials are underway in several cases. The Attorney General is preparing a compensation report for victims.
President Mahama has directed the full implementation of recommendations from the VRA dam spillage investigation. He warned that if another destructive flooding like that of 2023 occurs due to poor implementation, the VRA CEO and deputies must resign or be dismissed.
Compensation for flood victims is already budgeted in 2025, and a team has been formed to carry out the process. Chiefs and community members are urged to support a smooth and peaceful compensation exercise.
A major shake-up of loss-making State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) is underway. At a high-level meeting on March 13, 2025, Mahama emphasized the importance of reform.
A new performance management system is being rolled out to monitor financial health and governance. Some SOEs may be shut down or merged. Plans are also in motion to list at least 10 SOEs on the Ghana Stock Exchange and revive key enterprises like the Produce Buying Company.
In his closing remarks, President Mahama reflected on the first 120 days in office, stating that his administration has kept its key promises.
These include forming a lean government, enforcing a strict code of conduct, abolishing harsh taxes, investigating past corruption, launching job creation and environmental restoration initiatives, supporting education and the vulnerable, and ensuring accountability in the security sector.
He added that these are not just actions but signals of a government working with urgency, transparency, and accountability.
While progress has been made, he acknowledged that much work remains. Mahama called on all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and help build a more prosperous and just nation.
