Cosmetic promises: Policy analyst rips into Mahama’s 120-day pledge

Engineer and policy analyst Michael Kosi Dedey has criticized President John Dramani Mahama's 120-day pledge. He called most of the proposed commitments “largely symbolic and cosmetic.”

Dedey spoke on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily show on May 7. He assessed the 26 promises Mahama listed for his early-day deliverables if re-elected.

He stated, “We need to look at the value of these 24 items. Only nine are worthy; the rest are largely symbolic and cosmetic.”

The 120-day plan includes initiatives for economic recovery, governance reforms, and support for marginalized groups, especially women. However, Dedey questioned both the substance of these promises and their accountability.

He said, “If you say you will appoint ministers quickly, what is the value? You have a mandate to run a country.” He added that if these items are not completed, there is no punishment or consequence.

One debated item is creating a specialized bank for women. Dedey finds this unnecessary and bureaucratic.

He argued, “There are already existing banks. If women face loan disadvantages, direct the Bank of Ghana to give them preference.” He believes creating a Women’s Bank is completely unnecessary.