The Legal Green Association has commended President John Dramani Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what it describes as a strong and disciplined first year in office.
According to the group, fiscal restraint, economic relief measures, social interventions, and infrastructure development are among some of the current government’s key achievements.
In a statement marking the one-year anniversary of President Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2026, the Association said the return of the NDC to power represented “a clear endorsement of social democracy and a rejection of property-owning democracy.”
“Social democracy is the full extension of democratic principles to both society and the
economy, to strengthen social and economic equality, and empower the working-class
against the inequalities produced by capitalism. For social democratic governments
throughout history and around the world, justice and equality for all people, regardless of
class, race, gender, religion and other forms of identity, as core principles of how they govern,” the statement, signed by Festus Matey and Evans Mawunyo Tsikata, Leader of the Legal Green Association and Head of Politics and Elections, read.
The Legal Green Association highlighted what it described as decisive steps taken by the government to curb what it described as profligate expenditure, particularly in the reduction in the size of government.
“President Mahama pledged to limit ministerial appointments to no more than 60 before the 2024 elections. Despite the NDC’s significant majority in parliament, the president has kept his word and currently maintains the 60 ministerial cap. This initiative is projected to save approximately GH300 million over the next three years.”
The group also praised the President’s directive banning first-class travel for ministers on official trips abroad.
“In February 2025, the President made it clear that modest leadership must replace extravagance,” the statement said.
Additionally, the Association lauded the cancellation of fuel allowances for political appointees.
“In June 2025, President John Dramani Mahama directed the immediate cancellation of
fuel allowance and fuel allocations for all political appointees as part of stringent measures to reduce government expenditure. The Presidency indicated that leadership must lead by example in making sacrifices, especially as the government called on citizens to endure economic challenges. The scrapping of fuel benefits for appointees was expected to save millions of cedis annually, which would be reallocated to critical sectors such as education, health care and infrastructure.”
The Association credited the NDC government with easing the financial burden on citizens through the repeal of what it described as punitive taxes.
“In repealing the e-levy, betting tax, and emissions levy, the government has effectively returned an estimated GH¢2 billion to the pockets of Ghanaians,” the group stated.
It also referenced the repeal of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, noting that “an additional GH¢2.94 billion in expected household expenditures has been eliminated.”
According to the Association, VAT reforms have further benefited households, with the Ghana Revenue Authority reporting a GH¢6.5 billion return to consumers through reduced prices.
Fuel price reductions were also cited as a major relief.
On access to credit, the group pointed to falling interest rates.
“Recent data from the Bank of Ghana indicates that the average lending rate, which was at 30.25% in December 2024, has now dropped to 20%. Some banks are currently offering personal loans at 15%, a significant decrease from the previous rate of 27%. Reports from Graphic Online suggest that a renewed sense of optimism is emerging in the business sector, as positive macroeconomic indicators point towards a more favorable economic climate. This is expected to lead to further reductions in lending rates for both businesses and households.”
“Ghana’s inflation rate decreased to 5.4% in December, marking the end of 2025
with a notable deceleration in price increases. In comparison, inflation stood at
23.8% in December 2024, reflecting a substantial drop of 18.4 percentage points
over the course of a year.”
The Association praised the establishment of the GoldBod, describing it as “a transformative institution.”
“In 2025 alone, GoldBod generated over GH¢960 million by centralizing gold purchases and exports,” it stated, quoting Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as describing the initiative as pivotal to “stabilizing the cedi, boosting foreign exchange inflows, and creating sustainable jobs.”
It also welcomed the resumption of operations at the Tema Oil Refinery.
“TOR was on the verge of being sold for just $22 million, but today it is refining crude oil again,” the group said, noting plans to expand capacity from 45,000 to 60,000 barrels per stream day.
On social policies, the Association said the Free SHS programme had been “preserved and strengthened,” with GH¢3.5 billion committed in 2025 alone.
It also applauded the “No Fees Stress” policy, calling it “a landmark equity-based intervention.”
“As of December 2025, over 152,000 students have been reimbursed for first-year tertiary fees,” the statement said, adding that students at the Ghana School of Law had recently been included.
The group further praised the launch of the MahamaCare Trust Fund and the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, describing both initiatives as “bold steps toward inclusive healthcare and gender equality.”
According to the Association, Ghana’s infrastructure drive is set to intensify.
“The President has allocated GH¢13.9 billion to the Big Push, with an additional GH¢30 billion planned for 2026,” it stated, quoting President Mahama as saying, “the whole of Ghana is going to be a construction site for the next two years.”
The Legal Green Association urged the President to remain committed to social democratic values and called for unity and vigilance as Ghana continues its journey toward “prosperity, dignity, and sustainable development.”
“It is evident that Ghana thrives under a social democratic leadership. The Legal Green
Association therefore urges the President to maintain a strong focus on social democratic
values.Ghana is steadily moving forward. The indications of growth, stability, and a renewed sense of confidence are obvious. Now is not the time to hope for failure, but to back progress, demand responsibility, and prioritize Ghana over political agendas.”
“As a nation, we must remain hopeful, vigilant, and united as Ghana continues its journey
toward prosperity, dignity, and sustainable development. The Legal Green Association
remains committed to constructive engagement in building a Ghana we can all be proud of
at home and abroad.”
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
