Introduction

As Ghana navigates the complex landscape of economic recovery and governance in 2025, a prominent voice in political economy has stepped forward to validate the administration’s efforts. Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a respected governance expert and former UN senior advisor, has highlighted a significant shift in the daily lives of Ghanaians. In a comprehensive interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, he asserted that ordinary citizens are finally experiencing “tangible aid” and a palpable “sense of relief” under the current Mahama administration.

This assessment moves beyond abstract macroeconomic statistics, focusing instead on the real-world impact of government policies on market traders, digital entrepreneurs, and transport operators. This article explores Professor Agyeman-Duah’s analysis of the economic environment, the role of external factors like gold prices, and the strategic governance decisions driving Ghana’s stabilization.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of Professor Agyeman-Duah’s comments, one must look at the economic context of late 2024 and early 2025. Following a period of high inflation, currency depreciation, and public debt challenges, the Mahama administration prioritized economic stabilization. The government faced the dual challenge of satisfying International Monetary Fund (IMF) program requirements while ensuring that austerity measures did not cripple the average Ghanaian’s purchasing power.

The Role of Governance Experts

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah is not a government appointee but a neutral academic and governance consultant. His credibility stems from his work with the United Nations and his academic focus on democracy and development in Africa. When such a figure identifies a “change” in the economic environment, it serves as a critical barometer for the public and international observers. His remarks during the “2025 in-review” segment suggest that the administration has moved past the theoretical stage of policy-making into the implementation phase where results are visible.

Analysis

Professor Agyeman-Duah’s assessment provides a multi-layered view of Ghana’s current economic trajectory. He attributes the stabilization not just to luck, but to a combination of global trends and domestic competence.

Tangible Aid and the “Sense of Relief”

The term “tangible aid” suggests that government interventions are no longer just policy papers but actual support systems reaching the grassroots. The Professor noted that “ordinary people… will tell you that the government has indeed introduced some measures that have mitigated the problems.” This implies a reduction in the cost of living or an increase in disposable income for specific sectors.

For instance, digital economy players and transport operators often bear the brunt of fuel prices and inflation. A stabilization in these areas translates directly to “relief.” This qualitative improvement is often more politically significant than GDP growth figures because it impacts the voter’s daily reality.

The Strategic Use of Economic Tools

A critical point in the analysis is the Professor’s defense of the administration’s methods. He stated, “If this government is clever enough to use them effectively, that is also a method that is working for them.” This addresses the political debate regarding whether economic improvements are due to government policy or external factors. Agyeman-Duah argues that the management of these factors is what matters.

The synergy between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana is highlighted as a key driver. Effective monetary policy (controlling interest rates and money supply) combined with fiscal discipline (government spending and taxation) is the textbook method for taming inflation. The expert suggests this coordination is finally yielding results.

External Factors: The Gold and Oil Dynamic

It is impossible to analyze Ghana’s 2025 economy without acknowledging the commodities market. Ghana is a major gold exporter and an oil producer. The Professor noted that gold prices hitting $4,400 per ounce is a massive windfall for the country’s foreign reserves. Simultaneously, lower oil prices reduce the government’s import bill and lower transport costs, which helps curb inflation. However, the expert emphasizes that while these factors help, the government’s ability to capitalize on them is the differentiator.

Practical Advice

Based on the insights from Professor Agyeman-Duah and the current economic trends, here is how stakeholders can navigate the current environment:

For Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

The “digital tools investors” mentioned by the Professor are likely benefiting from improved digital infrastructure or favorable tax incentives. Entrepreneurs should:

• Monitor Fiscal Policies: Stay updated on Ministry of Finance announcements regarding tax reliefs or stimulus packages for SMEs.
• Leverage Stability: With a more stable currency (Cedi), import-dependent businesses can plan better. However, diversify supply chains to mitigate global risks.

For Individual Households

The “sense of relief” implies that inflationary pressures are easing. Households should:

• Review Budgets: As prices stabilize, re-evaluate monthly budgets to prioritize savings and investment.
• Engage in the Digital Economy: The government’s focus on this sector suggests it is a growth area. Upskilling in digital literacy can provide new income streams.

For Policy Observers and Investors

Foreign and local investors looking at Ghana should note the expert’s emphasis on governance. The stability of the political environment is currently viewed as a positive indicator. The coordination between the Central Bank and the Finance Ministry is a signal of institutional maturity that reduces risk premiums.

FAQ

Conclusion

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah’s commentary on JoyNews’ The Pulse offers a significant endorsement of the Mahama administration’s economic management in 2025. By highlighting the “tangible aid” and “sense of relief” experienced by ordinary Ghanaians, he bridges the gap between high-level economic data and street-level reality. While acknowledging the boost from favorable global commodity prices, the governance expert credits the administration’s strategic policy implementation and inter-agency coordination for the current stability. As the year progresses, the focus will remain on sustaining these gains and ensuring that the relief felt by digital investors and transport operators translates into broad-based prosperity for all citizens.