The Legal Green Association has praised the first year of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, describing it as a strong endorsement of social democratic governance and a period marked by fiscal discipline, economic relief, and expanded social interventions.
In a press statement issued on Thursday to mark the one-year anniversary of President Mahama’s inauguration, the centre-left legal advocacy group said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has demonstrated a clear commitment to equality, accountability, and responsible economic management.
According to the Association, the Mahama administration has taken decisive steps to cut what it described as “profligate expenditure,” beginning with a reduction in the size of government. It noted that the President has capped ministerial appointments at 60, down from 120 under the previous administration, a move projected to save about GH¢300 million over the next three years.
The statement also cited the President’s directive barring ministers from travelling first class for official duties, as well as the cancellation of fuel allowances for all political appointees in June 2025. The group said these measures demonstrated leadership by example at a time of economic recovery.
The Legal Green Association further highlighted several tax reforms aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens. These include the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (e-Levy), betting tax, emissions levy, and the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy. According to the Association, the repeal of these taxes has collectively returned billions of cedis to households by reducing costs and increasing disposable income.
The group also referenced value-added tax (VAT) reforms announced by the Ghana Revenue Authority, which it said had led to GH¢6.5 billion in savings for households through lower prices.
On macroeconomic performance, the Association noted a steady decline in fuel prices, with petrol falling from GH¢15.45 per litre in January 2025 to GH¢10.99 by January 2026. It also pointed to a significant drop in lending rates, with the Bank of Ghana reporting a fall in average interest rates from 30.25 per cent in December 2024 to about 20 per cent, with some banks offering loans at rates as low as 15 per cent.
Inflation, the statement added, declined sharply from 23.8 per cent in December 2024 to 5.4 per cent by the end of 2025, reflecting what the Association described as improved economic stability.
In managing public resources, the Association praised the establishment of GoldBod, which it said generated over GH¢960 million in revenue in 2025 through the centralized purchase and export of gold. It also welcomed the resumption of crude oil refining at the Tema Oil Refinery, describing it as a major boost to Ghana’s energy security and downstream petroleum sector.
The statement further commended the continuation and expansion of key social interventions, including the Free Senior High School policy, which received an allocation of GH¢3.5 billion in 2025. It also highlighted the implementation of the “No Fees Stress” policy, which has led to reimbursements of first-year tertiary fees for more than 152,000 students, including beneficiaries at the Ghana School of Law.
Other initiatives cited include the establishment of the MahamaCare Trust Fund to support treatment for non-communicable diseases not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the launch of a free sanitary pad distribution programme for girls from Primary Five through senior high school.
On infrastructure, the Legal Green Association referenced the Ghana Infrastructure Plan launched in October 2025, under which GH¢13.9 billion has already been allocated to the government’s “Big Push,” with an additional GH¢30 billion expected in 2026.
The Association concluded by urging President Mahama to remain committed to social democratic principles and called on Ghanaians to support progress while demanding accountability.
“Now is not the time to hope for failure, but to back progress, demand responsibility, and prioritize Ghana over political agendas,” the statement, signed by Festus Matey Evans Mawunyo Tsikata, Leader of the Legal Green Association and Head of Politics and Elections, said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
