Mahama’s first yr has been exceptional, no Ghanaian prays for his failure – United Party – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

On January 10, 2026, Ghana’s political landscape was marked by a moment of rare cross-party acknowledgment when Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party, praised President John Mahama’s first year in office as “phenomenal.” In a nation where politics often breeds division, Owusu’s remarks stood out as a call for unity and national purpose. Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight, he emphasized that no well-meaning Ghanaian should wish for the President’s failure, arguing that the success or failure of the executive directly impacts every citizen. This article explores why Mahama’s first year has been deemed exceptional, the macroeconomic improvements achieved, the importance of constructive political dialogue, and the lessons for Ghana’s future.

Key Points

Background

Ghana’s economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, including high inflation, currency depreciation, and rising public debt. These issues have been exacerbated by global economic uncertainties, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising fuel prices, and the war in Ukraine. Against this backdrop, President John Mahama’s administration took office with a clear mandate to restore economic stability and rebuild public confidence.

The promise to stabilize the macroeconomic environment was central to Mahama’s campaign platform. In his inaugural address and subsequent policy statements, he outlined a comprehensive plan to tackle inflation, stabilize the cedi, reduce the cost of living, and improve fiscal discipline. The administration’s first year has been closely watched by economists, business leaders, and citizens alike, eager to see tangible results.

Meanwhile, the political climate in Ghana has often been characterized by intense partisanship, with opposition parties frequently criticized for adopting a “wait-and-watch” or “opposition at all costs” approach. In this context, Solomon Owusu’s public acknowledgment of the government’s achievements represents a significant departure from the norm and a potential shift toward a more collaborative political culture.

Analysis

Economic Indicators and Public Perception

The macroeconomic improvements cited by Owusu are supported by data from the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Statistical Service. Inflation, which peaked at over 50% in 2023, has been brought down to single digits in many categories, with headline inflation dropping to around 15% by the end of 2025. The cedi, which had lost significant value against the US dollar, has stabilized, trading within a narrower band. Fuel prices, a major concern for Ghanaians, have seen several reductions due to lower global oil prices and improved exchange rates.

The debt-to-GDP ratio, a key indicator of fiscal health, has also shown improvement. According to the Ministry of Finance, the ratio declined from 82% in 2023 to 70% by the end of 2025, thanks to a combination of economic growth, debt restructuring, and improved revenue collection. These achievements have been recognized by international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which commended Ghana’s commitment to economic reform.

The Role of Constructive Opposition

Owusu’s remarks highlight a critical aspect of democratic governance: the role of constructive opposition. In healthy democracies, opposition parties are not merely adversaries but partners in national development. They provide checks and balances, offer alternative policies, and hold the government accountable. However, this requires a willingness to acknowledge successes while constructively criticizing failures.

By praising the government’s economic performance, Owusu demonstrated that it is possible to be both loyal to one’s party and committed to national interest. This approach can foster a more mature political discourse, reduce polarization, and build public trust in democratic institutions.

The National Cathedral Controversy: A Lesson in Accountability

Owusu’s reference to the National Cathedral project under the previous administration serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked executive power and the importance of internal party accountability. The project, which was intended to be a symbol of national unity and spiritual renewal, became a source of controversy due to its high cost, lack of transparency, and the fact that it remained incomplete at the end of the administration’s term.

Owusu recalled that he had publicly warned against the project in 2018, arguing that it would damage the administration’s image. His decision to speak out, despite facing backlash from party supporters, underscores the courage required to prioritize principle over party loyalty. The incomplete cathedral, he noted, became a “nemesis” of the previous government, symbolizing misplaced priorities and poor project management.

Breaking the Culture of Silence

The culture of silence within political parties is a global phenomenon, but it is particularly pronounced in many African democracies, where dissent is often equated with disloyalty. This culture can stifle innovation, discourage critical thinking, and lead to groupthink, where poor decisions go unchallenged.

Owusu’s call to break this culture is a timely reminder that political parties are not monolithic entities but diverse coalitions of individuals with different perspectives. Encouraging open dialogue within parties can lead to better decision-making, greater accountability, and stronger institutions.

Practical Advice

For Political Leaders

1. Embrace Constructive Criticism: Leaders should welcome feedback from within their ranks and be open to changing course when necessary.
2. Prioritize National Interest: Decisions should be made with the long-term good of the country in mind, not just short-term political gains.
3. Promote Transparency: Major projects and policies should be subject to public scrutiny and debate.
4. Encourage Intra-Party Dialogue: Create platforms for members to express concerns and contribute ideas.

For Citizens

1. Stay Informed: Follow reliable sources of news and analysis to understand the impact of government policies.
2. Engage Constructively: Participate in public discourse through respectful dialogue and evidence-based arguments.
3. Hold Leaders Accountable: Use democratic mechanisms, such as elections and petitions, to demand good governance.
4. Support Unity: Promote narratives that emphasize common goals and shared values.

For Media and Civil Society

1. Fact-Check Information: Ensure that reports are accurate and based on verifiable data.
2. Facilitate Dialogue: Create spaces for diverse voices to be heard, including those from opposing sides.
3. Monitor Performance: Track the implementation of government policies and report on outcomes.
4. Educate the Public: Provide context and analysis to help citizens understand complex issues.

FAQ

Conclusion

President John Mahama’s first year in office has indeed been exceptional, marked by significant progress in stabilizing Ghana’s macroeconomic environment. The improvements in inflation, exchange rates, fuel prices, and the debt-to-GDP ratio are tangible achievements that have positively impacted the lives of millions of Ghanaians. However, the true significance of this period lies not just in the numbers, but in the broader political and social shifts it has inspired.

Solomon Owusu’s public acknowledgment of the government’s successes represents a rare moment of cross-party unity and a call for a more mature political culture. His emphasis on national interest over partisanship, the importance of constructive criticism, and the need to break the culture of silence within political parties offers valuable lessons for Ghana and other democracies.

As Ghana moves forward, it is essential to build on these foundations by fostering a political environment that values dialogue, accountability, and collaboration. The challenges ahead are many, but with a commitment to unity and sound governance, the nation can achieve even greater progress in the years to come.

Sources

• Ghana Statistical Service – Inflation Reports (2023-2025)
• Bank of Ghana – Monetary Policy Reports
• Ministry of Finance – Debt Management Reports
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) – Ghana Country Reports
• Joy Prime – Prime Insight Interview with Solomon Owusu (January 10, 2026)
• Life Pulse Daily – News Article (January 10, 2026)
• World Bank – Ghana Economic Updates