Mahama outlines 120-day social contract: What’s been achieved and what’s still pending

President John Dramani Mahama has quickly set his administration in motion. He has achieved several major milestones in his first 90 days back in office.

The government has fulfilled many early pledges. It focuses on transparency, efficiency, economic recovery, and social inclusion.

Updates from the Presidency show that the government nominated its full Cabinet within 14 days. This is described as the leanest and most efficient government under the Fourth Republic.

A comprehensive Code of Conduct for all officials has been established. This aims to ensure integrity and accountability in public service.

On the economy, President Mahama held a National Economic Dialogue. This was to assess the economy's true state and create a home-grown fiscal plan for the national budget.

To ease burdens on citizens and businesses, several controversial taxes have been scrapped. These include the E-levy, COVID levy, a 10% levy on bet winnings, and the Emissions Levy.

The government is also reviewing taxes on vehicles and equipment for industrial use.

Preparations are underway to launch the 24-Hour Economy Policy. A bill is currently before Cabinet with related legal amendments drafted.

Multiple agencies have adopted this operational model already. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) launched a 24-hour premium service.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs now offers 24-hour passport services. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will open a 24-hour office at Adenta on May 7.

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) is launching an initiative to connect graduates with businesses aligned with this policy. The Ministry of Interior is discussing dedicated 24-hour police units with the Ghana Police Service.

As part of its economic transformation agenda, the government formed the Accelerated Export Development Council (AEDC). This aims to boost non-traditional exports.

In education, a national conference has been convened for necessary reforms. The administration implemented a 'No-Academic-Fee' policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions.

Free tertiary education has also been introduced for persons with disabilities. The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, expands healthcare access.

Additionally, free sanitary pads are being distributed to girls in public schools.

Regarding public accountability, inquiries into national concerns are ongoing. These include audits related to the banking sector collapse and the National Cathedral project.

The Attorney-General will soon brief media on pending charges related to these matters. To curb corruption, there’s now a policy banning political appointees from buying state assets.

Reminders about this ban are being circulated by the Chief of Staff. The government allocated seed capital for establishing a Women’s Development Bank too.

Priority job creation initiatives like Advumawura have also launched; more details will come in the 2025 budget.

Lastly, reviews of Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 are progressing after stakeholder consultations concluded with recommendations submitted to Finance Ministry.

President Mahama’s administration seems determined to deliver swiftly on its promises.