By Nana Asare Baffour
Barely seven months into his second administration, President John Dramani Mahama’s approach to governance is drawing widespread criticism for what many describe as a grand political scam. While in opposition, Mr. Mahama fervently criticized the Akufo-Addo government for introducing a 1% Electronic Levy (E-Levy) on mobile money transactions above 100 Ghana cedis, branding it as daylight robbery and an unjust burden on the ordinary Ghanaian. However, the reality under his own leadership has proven to be far more punitive. In less than half a year, his government introduced an 8% D-Levy on every litre of fuel consumed a fixed tax that affects every Ghanaian regardless of choice or circumstance. Unlike the E-Levy, which is only triggered by voluntary transactions, the D-Levy is imposed across the board, whether one uses fuel directly or not. The question confronting Ghanaians is simple, if 1% was described as theft, what should we call 8%?
Environmental governance, especially concerning illegal mining (galamsey), is yet another area where the Mahama administration’s credibility is under intense scrutiny. During his previous term from 2012 to 2016, illegal mining surged uncontrollably, resulting in significant environmental degradation. Mahama offered no sustainable solution. Fast forward to 2024, and he rode back to power on a promise to deal decisively with galamsey. Yet, according to respected journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, who has extensively covered illegal mining, galamsey activities are once again spiraling out of control. Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies are being destroyed at an alarming rate, and the silence from the presidency is deafening. The same Mahama who lambasted his predecessor for failing to resolve the issue now appears completely indifferent as the crisis escalates.
Equally troubling is Mahama’s inconsistency on social issues, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ legislation. On the campaign trail, he boldly promised to pass a bill to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities if elected. This promise won him significant support from conservative Ghanaians. Yet since assuming office, he has not only gone silent on the matter but also missed the opportunity to take a clear stance at the United Nations General Assembly, where Ghana had the chance to vote against pro-LGBTQ+ resolutions. For a man who campaigned on moral and cultural values, this abrupt turnaround feels like a betrayal of trust and raises serious questions about his sincerity.
Moreover, President Mahama’s pledge to ease the cost of living by reducing utility tariffs has turned out to be another empty promise. Instead of relief, Ghanaians have faced three rounds of tariff increases in just seven months. Water and electricity bills have gone up, compounding the financial strain on households already grappling with high fuel costs and economic uncertainty. What was sold as a campaign of hope and redemption is rapidly unravelling into a regime of broken promises and strategic misinformation. The facts speak for themselves, from punitive fuel taxes to unchecked illegal mining, silence on key moral issues, and soaring utility bills. The Mahama administration is fast losing its moral and political capital. For many, the conclusion is clear Ghanaians have once again been scammed, this time by the very man who vowed to rescue them.
JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA’S GOVERNANCE, A GRAND DECEPTION UNFOLDING
