Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a prominent governance expert, has publicly called on President John Dramani Mahama to provide a detailed explanation to the Ghanaian populace regarding the unfulfilled promises from his ambitious 120-day action plan. This plan, announced upon President Mahama’s return to office, outlined 26 key commitments aimed at revitalizing governance and addressing critical national issues. While acknowledging some significant achievements within the stipulated timeframe, Professor Agyeman-Duah emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, urging the President to address the six outstanding promises directly and clarify the reasons for their non-completion. This call for transparency underscores a broader concern about the disconnect between political rhetoric and actual execution, a recurring theme in Ghanaian politics. Professor Agyeman-Duah suggests that providing a clear account of the unmet promises would not only address public concerns but also reinforce the nascent image of transparency that the Mahama administration is attempting to project.
President Mahama’s 120-day action plan, presented as a roadmap for swift and decisive action, encompassed a wide range of initiatives spanning economic reforms, environmental protection, social programs, and political accountability. The plan sought to address pressing national concerns and demonstrate a commitment to efficient and effective governance. Some of the notable successes achieved within the initial 120-day period include the formation of a streamlined cabinet, aimed at reducing government expenditure and improving efficiency. The abolishment of unpopular taxes, such as the E-Levy and the Betting Tax, fulfilled campaign promises and provided relief to segments of the population burdened by these levies. Furthermore, the launch of environmental initiatives like the “Tree for Life” and “Blue Water” programs signaled a focus on sustainability and environmental conservation. These early achievements generated positive momentum and suggested a proactive approach to governance.
However, despite these successes, the failure to deliver on all 26 promises has drawn public scrutiny and raised questions about the feasibility of the ambitious agenda. Several key pledges remain unfulfilled, including the full implementation of the 24-hour economy initiative, a comprehensive review of vehicle taxes, and investigations into past incidents of electoral violence. These unaddressed issues are now the focus of public debate, with critics questioning the government’s capacity to deliver on its promises and demanding greater accountability. Professor Agyeman-Duah’s call for an explanation reflects this broader public sentiment and highlights the need for the government to engage with the concerns of the citizenry.
Professor Agyeman-Duah acknowledges the inherent challenges in translating political promises into concrete action, recognizing that the political environment often presents unforeseen obstacles. He suggests that the initial ambition of the 26-point plan may have been overly optimistic, reflecting a tendency among politicians to overestimate their capacity to effect change within a given timeframe. While acknowledging the complexities of governance, he maintains that the President has a responsibility to provide a transparent account of the progress made, the challenges encountered, and the reasons for any delays or deviations from the original plan. This, he argues, is essential for maintaining public trust and fostering a culture of accountability.
The professor’s comments highlight a crucial aspect of democratic governance: the relationship between promises made during political campaigns and the subsequent actions taken once in office. The ability of a government to deliver on its promises is a key indicator of its effectiveness and credibility. Failure to do so can erode public trust and lead to disillusionment with the political process. In the case of President Mahama’s 120-day plan, the partial fulfillment of the promises presents an opportunity for the government to engage in open communication with the public, explaining the reasons for the delays and outlining a revised timeline for the outstanding commitments.
The call for greater transparency from President Mahama underscores the growing demand for accountability in Ghanaian politics. Citizens are increasingly holding their elected officials accountable for their promises, demanding clear explanations for any discrepancies between rhetoric and action. This heightened scrutiny reflects a maturing democracy where citizens are actively engaged in the political process and expect their leaders to be responsive to their concerns. By addressing the outstanding promises and providing a candid assessment of the challenges faced, President Mahama can demonstrate a commitment to transparency and rebuild public trust in his administration’s ability to deliver on its commitments. This proactive approach to communication and accountability will be crucial for maintaining public support and ensuring the successful implementation of the remaining elements of the 120-day action plan.
