CDD commends Mahama administration for outstanding Macroeconomic Performance
23rd February 2026
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has praised improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic conditions during the first year of John Dramani Mahama’s administration, describing the progress as “exceptional.”
However, a report by the Centre highlighted challenges in governance, anti-corruption efforts, and environmental management as areas needing urgent attention.
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Policy, Engagement and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana, made the remarks at the launch of the First-Year Assessment of the John Mahama II Administration in Accra on Thursday.
He noted that lower inflation had translated into slower price increases, providing Ghanaians with tangible relief in the cost of living. Between December 2025 and January 2026, fuel prices fell by approximately four to eight per cent, resulting in a 15 per cent reduction in commercial transport fares. Food inflation dropped from 28.3 per cent in January 2025 to 4.9 per cent by December, while the appreciation of the cedi reduced the cost of imported essentials such as medicines and raw materials.
The report highlighted that while disposable incomes improved in major cities like Accra and Kumasi, regional disparities persisted, with northern areas seeing slower price reductions due to logistical constraints.
On debt and inflation, CDD-Ghana noted that the government had made strides in addressing high inflation and debt distress, but ensuring sustainability through the 2027 debt repayment cycle would be critical.
Regarding governance, the report observed that public trust in the presidency was low when the administration assumed office, with only 28 per cent of citizens expressing confidence at the start of 2025. Positive steps included the publication of a Code of Conduct for appointees and the establishment of a Constitution Review Committee.
The report, however, raised concerns about incidents of “vigilante violence,” unlawful entry into public installations such as Ghana Gas, and a “transparency deficit” surrounding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, noting that the committee’s report on the matter was not published. It also criticized the use of “certificates of urgency” in Parliament to fast-track legislation, including the Energy Sector Levy Bill.
On local government funding, the report said that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies received 80 per cent of allocated District Assemblies Common Fund resources. Positive initiatives cited included ‘Operation Recover All Loots’ (ORAL), the 2025 Code of Conduct, and the government’s pledge to cap ministerial appointments at 60, though credibility concerns remained over perceptions of selective justice under the anti-corruption “Reset” agenda.
Environmental concerns were highlighted, with continued illegal mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies.
In education, GH¢9.1 billion was allocated to basic education, and the “No Academic Fee Policy” benefited over 120,000 first-year tertiary students.
In health and social protection, the National Health Insurance Levy was uncapped to improve liquidity and reduce arrears, while LEAP beneficiary households increased to 400,000, with transfers indexed to inflation.
On security, the report noted the transfer of the National Security budget to the Ministry of the Interior as fulfilling legal obligations but described the GH¢6 million monthly cost of the Bawku Security Task Force as “financially unsustainable” and cited equipment challenges, including a 2025 helicopter crash.
The report concluded that the government’s “Reset Agenda” remains a work in progress, describing it as “credible in its intent but unbalanced in its approach.”