–BY Issah Olegor
The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has delivered a sobering assessment of the Mahama administration’s performance in the area of Governance and Accountability, scoring the government an average of just 23.1% on eight key promises made during the first 120 days in office.
The findings were announced at a press conference on Wednesday at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, where the think tank presented a detailed breakdown of the administration’s efforts to meet its campaign commitments in the governance sector.
According to the IERPP, out of the eight promises assessed, only one — the timely nomination of cabinet ministers within 14 days — was fully achieved, earning a score of 100%.
The rest showed little to no progress, with several key accountability measures receiving a score of 0%.
Among the unfulfilled commitments was the pledge to ban government appointees from acquiring state assets, a practice that has drawn criticism for enabling political patronage and conflicts of interest.
Similarly, the promise to reform the administration of scholarships — often criticized for lack of transparency and fairness — has seen no action, according to the report.
Another critical area that saw zero progress is the commitment to purge the security agencies of political militias.
This was a major campaign talking point, particularly in the wake of previous election-related violence and growing concerns about partisanship in Ghana’s law enforcement bodies.
IERPP also flagged the administration’s failure to reopen investigations into killings linked to previous elections — another promise that has remained unaddressed despite calls from civil society and families of victims for justice and closure.
The think tank gave a 10% score to the government’s promise to conduct forensic audits into major national controversies, such as the construction of the National Cathedral and the use of COVID-19 funds.
These issues have remained at the center of public debate and are widely seen as tests of the administration’s commitment to transparency.
A marginal score of 5% was assigned to the pledge to investigate the man-made disaster caused by the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, which devastated communities in the Volta Region in late 2023.
The administration has faced growing criticism for its response and lack of accountability regarding the disaster.
The only other promise that saw partial implementation was the development of a Code of Conduct for public officials, which received a 70% rating.
While the draft framework has reportedly been completed, it has yet to be fully adopted or enforced.
In total, the Mahama government scored 185% out of a possible 800%, resulting in an average of 23.1%.
The IERPP emphasized that the score reflects a fair and objective measurement, crediting the government fully for actions it has completed.
With governance and anti-corruption standing as key pillars of President Mahama’s return to power, the low score is likely to stir political debate and public scrutiny.
The IERPP urged the administration to act swiftly in fulfilling the outstanding promises, particularly those related to transparency, justice, and institutional reform.
