Arthur Kennedy’s Assessment of Mahama’s Governance: A Critical Analysis

Introduction

In a recent and highly publicized evaluation, prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Dr. Arthur Kennedy offered a nuanced assessment of President John Dramani Mahama’s performance, assigning a ‘B’ grade to the market system while raising significant concerns about the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis and the administration’s follow-through on promises. This comprehensive analysis explores Kennedy’s key points, the broader context of Ghana’s economic and environmental challenges, and the implications for governance and accountability.

Key Points

Background

Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a well-known Ghanaian political analyst and member of the New Patriotic Party, has long been an outspoken commentator on Ghana’s political and economic affairs. His recent appearance on the *PleasureNews AM Show* provided a platform for a detailed evaluation of President Mahama’s administration, focusing on both achievements and shortcomings.

Kennedy’s assessment comes at a critical juncture for Ghana, as the country grapples with economic recovery, environmental degradation from illegal mining, and the need for job creation. His comments reflect broader concerns among Ghanaians about the gap between political promises and actual results on the ground.

Analysis

Mahama’s Communication and Accessibility

Kennedy acknowledged President Mahama’s strengths as a communicator and his accessibility to the public. He described the President as “very accessible, very affable, and a very good communicator,” highlighting the importance of public engagement in modern governance. This positive assessment aligns with Mahama’s reputation for being approachable and responsive to citizens’ concerns.

However, Kennedy’s praise for Mahama’s communication skills was tempered by criticism of the administration’s follow-through. He noted that while the President delivers “good speeches about almost everything,” there is a lack of consistent implementation of policies and programs. This observation points to a common challenge in governance: the gap between rhetoric and action.

The Market System: A ‘B’ Grade

Kennedy’s decision to award President Mahama a ‘B’ for the market system reflects a mixed assessment of the administration’s economic performance. While acknowledging the presence of macroeconomic indicators that suggest improvement, Kennedy emphasized that the impact of these policies must be visible to ordinary Ghanaians.

He stated, “The reason he is not getting an A is that there is a lot of promise, but things haven’t been delivered. I want to see jobs on the ground, I want to see the role of the diaspora, and I want to see people on the street doing well.” This critique underscores the importance of translating economic growth into tangible benefits for citizens, particularly in terms of job creation and improved living standards.

Galamsey: An Incomplete Assessment

On the issue of galamsey, Kennedy gave an “incomplete” grade, acknowledging the complexity of the problem and the efforts being made by the administration. However, he stressed that governance is ultimately about results, not just intentions. “He’s trying, but at the end of the day, governance is about results,” Kennedy remarked.

The galamsey crisis has been a major environmental and social challenge in Ghana, leading to deforestation, water pollution, and conflicts over land use. Kennedy’s assessment reflects the widespread frustration among Ghanaians that, despite numerous promises and initiatives, the problem persists. He warned that if galamsey is not adequately addressed by the end of Mahama’s term, it would be “very hard to call him a successful president.”

The Need for Fresh Ideas in Economic Management

Kennedy also commented on the composition of President Mahama’s new economic team, describing its members as “very familiar names.” While acknowledging their experience, he suggested the need for younger economists and social developers to bring fresh ideas into government. This recommendation reflects a broader debate about generational change and innovation in Ghana’s political and economic leadership.

Kennedy advised that the recommendations of the economic team be “seriously considered and acted upon,” emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the need for bold, innovative solutions to Ghana’s challenges.

Practical Advice

For policymakers and citizens alike, Kennedy’s assessment offers several practical takeaways:

1. **Focus on Implementation**: Governments must prioritize the consistent implementation of policies and programs, not just the announcement of initiatives.
2. **Visible Impact**: Economic growth and development must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly in terms of job creation and improved living standards.
3. **Environmental Responsibility**: Addressing environmental challenges like galamsey requires sustained effort, innovative solutions, and a commitment to results.
4. **Inclusive Leadership**: Governments should seek to include a diversity of voices and perspectives, particularly younger leaders and experts, in decision-making processes.
5. **Accountability**: Citizens should hold their leaders accountable for results, not just promises, and demand transparency and follow-through on commitments.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr. Arthur Kennedy’s assessment of President Mahama’s governance provides a nuanced and critical perspective on Ghana’s current political and economic landscape. By highlighting both achievements and shortcomings, Kennedy underscores the importance of accountability, implementation, and tangible results in effective governance.

As Ghana continues to navigate complex challenges—from economic recovery to environmental sustainability—the insights offered by Kennedy serve as a reminder that leadership must be measured not just by promises, but by the real impact on citizens’ lives. For both policymakers and the public, the call is clear: demand results, support innovation, and hold leaders accountable for delivering on their commitments.

Sources

– *PleasureNews AM Show* (2026). Interview with Dr. Arthur Kennedy.
– Life Pulse Daily. “Arthur Kennedy charges Mahama ‘B’ on market system, raises galamsey issues.” Published February 3, 2026.
– Multimedia Group Limited. Disclaimer on reader contributions and opinions.

*Note: All information is based on publicly available sources and the analysis provided by Dr. Arthur Kennedy as reported in the referenced media outlets.*