Columnist calls Mahama’s return a chance for reforms in Ghana — MyJoyOnline
In Ghana, an opinion column published by MyJoyOnline describes President John Dramani Mahama’s return to power as an opportunity for reforms in infrastructure, the extractive industry, and the public sector. This assessment was expressed by philanthropist and Heritage Bank Ltd founder Alhaji Seidu Agogo.
The author noted that Mahama had served as vice president and president, moved into the opposition after losing an election, and later won a presidential mandate again. In Agogo’s view, this political experience gave the head of state an understanding of the opportunities and limitations of governing. Mahama assumed office as president in January 2025.
The Accra–Kumasi highway
Agogo named the Accra–Kumasi expressway, which is intended to connect the country’s two largest economic centres, as one of the key projects. According to him, the acquisition of the right-of-way for the road was an important stage.
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According to the columnist, Ghana mobilised $2 billion before selecting a contractor for one of the country’s largest road projects. He expects construction work to begin next year. In Agogo’s view, the highway could reduce congestion, lower transport costs, improve logistics, and expand economic opportunities.
Gold, airports and state-owned enterprises
The author also noted changes in the extractive sector, including the Gold Board mechanism and a policy aimed at increasing gold volumes from artisanal mining, localisation, and broader participation by Ghanaian companies in the industry. He positively assessed the move towards more pragmatic fiscal approaches, including sliding-scale royalty mechanisms that are intended to take changes in gold prices into account.
Agogo mentioned the government’s course towards modernising and expanding airport infrastructure, as well as reforming state-owned enterprises. In his view, performance, accountability and efficiency should be priorities for such companies. The author believes that the success of Mahama’s presidency will largely depend on the work of the team he appoints.
