Osae-Kwapong: Mahama appears determined to correct course
He believes President Mahama has been deliberate in shaping the narrative around his second term, pointing to a tone that reflects maturity and lessons learnt from his previous time in office
President John Mahama is using the early days of his second term in office to project a more focused and reform-minded approach to governance, according to political analyst John Osae-Kwapong.
Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (19 April), the research fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) emphasized that while the first 100 days of a president’s tenure may not bring immediate, sweeping changes, they are pivotal in establishing the tone of the administration.
“There are some key things you can do within your first 100 days — like putting your government together and signalling what kind of policies you intend to pursue,” said Osae-Kwapong. “As to the transformative effect, it takes more than 100 days. Sometimes it takes more than a year before citizens begin to feel the material impact.”
He believes President Mahama has been deliberate in shaping the narrative around his second term, pointing to a tone that reflects maturity and lessons learnt from his previous time in office.
“I believe he’s making a genuine effort to make his second presidency look and feel different,” he said. “The people he’s selected and the places he’s assigned them suggest a deliberate attempt to do better.”
So far, appointments made by the president have been seen by observers as placing greater emphasis on competence and alignment with his broader vision — a possible indication of a leadership style more attuned to public expectations.
On the policy front, Mr Osae-Kwapong highlights the repeal of the electronic transaction levy (e-levy) — a key campaign promise — as an early signal of Mahama’s commitment to economic relief. The move has been widely interpreted as both symbolic and strategic.
However, it is the proposed 24-hour economy policy — the centrepiece of Mahama’s campaign — that remains under scrutiny.
“It’s a major outstanding policy issue,” said Osae-Kwapong. “We are still waiting to see how it will be fleshed out and implemented. During the campaign, this was the centrepiece — the one policy expected to transform and strengthen the Ghanaian economy.”
The 24-hour economy, which aims to introduce a round-the-clock system of production and services, is being promoted as a long-term strategy to boost job creation and economic resilience.
While cautioning against high expectations in the short term, the analyst believes Mahama’s early days suggest an administration eager to shift course and rebuild trust.
“There is a feeling that lessons have been learnt,” he said. “And while we may not see transformation overnight, the early signals matter — they set the pace for what’s to come.”
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
