Story by Phalonzy
Isaac Kwasi Apatsea, a former Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper Denkyira Constituency, has posited that the current governance style of President John Mahama and the NDC is poised to keep the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in opposition for an extended period.
Apatsea attributes this prognosis to the fresh energy and dynamism that President Mahama has injected into governance, which has effectively rendered the NPP’s tenure under President Akufo-Addo ineffectual. According to him, the NDC’s governance model has brought about significant progress, marked by the fulfillment of key campaign promises.
Under President Mahama’s leadership, the NDC has made notable strides in delivering on its promises. Within the first 14 days in office, Mahama nominated his complete list of Cabinet Ministers for parliamentary approval, constituting a lean and efficient government. A robust code of conduct and standards for government officials was also established, setting a new tone for accountability and transparency.
One of the hallmarks of the NDC’s governance has been its commitment to tax reforms. Draconian taxes such as the E-levy, COVID levy, 10% levy on bet winnings, and Emissions levy have been scrapped, providing much-needed relief to citizens and businesses. Additionally, the administration has initiated a review of taxes and levies on vehicles and equipment imported for industrial and agricultural purposes, aimed at stimulating economic growth.
The NDC’s governance style has also prioritized education and job creation. A national consultative conference on education was convened, and the ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions was implemented. Furthermore, priority job creation programs like ‘Adwumawura’, ‘National Apprenticeship Programme’, and ‘One Million Coders Programme’ were launched, underscoring the administration’s commitment to empowering the youth.
The NDC’s governance has also been marked by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The ‘Tree for Life’ and Blue Water Initiative’ was rolled out to address environmental degradation, while efforts to purge state security agencies of militia and vigilante elements are underway.
The much-anticipated 24-Hour Economy policy, a flagship initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also been officially launched July 2, 2025, marking a paramount move towards transforming the country’s economic landscape. This bold endeavor aims to drive economic transformation, enhance productivity, and tackle unemployment through round-the-clock operations in key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, healthcare, transportation, and retail.
Described as a “game changer” by the government, the policy is expected to create thousands of new jobs, increase national output, and unlock value across supply chains. Companies that enroll in the program will benefit from tax incentives, access to stable electricity, and enhanced nighttime security, fostering a conducive business environment.
According to IMANI Africa’s critical analysis, 50% of the NDC’s promises have been fully delivered, with 42% in progress and 8% remaining unfulfilled.
Ghanaians have praised President Mahama’s progress, stating that the administration has made commendable strides in delivering on its promises. Ultimately, as the NDC continues to chart a new course for Ghana’s development, it is clear that its governance style is poised to redefine the country’s trajectory.
