Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Dr. Mahama described Ghana’s governance experience in 2025 as one marked by uncertainty and “mixed feelings,” arguing that the pace and clarity of decision-making under the current administration have raised serious questions about leadership direction.
Reflecting on the state of the economy and governance, Dr. Mahama compared developments under the current administration to the previous government led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He rejected suggestions that fuel availability was worse under the former administration, insisting that despite periods of high fuel prices, shortages never escalated into rationing.
“There was no point under the previous government, even during the fuel crisis, when fuel was rationed for essential workers,” he said.
“There was no point under the previous government, even during the fuel crisis, when fuel was rationed for essential workers,” he said.
“Yes, prices were high at certain times, but fuel was always available to the Ghanaian people.”
He further argued that the country showed early signs of economic recovery prior to 2025, a claim that sparked clarification from the programme’s host, Sampson.
He further argued that the country showed early signs of economic recovery prior to 2025, a claim that sparked clarification from the programme’s host, Sampson.
The host explained that his earlier remarks on economic pressure in 2025 were not meant to suggest fuel scarcity under the Akufo-Addo administration but rather the severity of cost-of-living challenges at the time.
Turning his attention to the current government, Dr. Mahama expressed unease over what he described as excessive restrictions and uncertainty in governance.
“2025 was a year of mixed feelings for me. At a point, I felt as though the country was drifting toward a form of military-style governance,” he remarked.
According to the Walewale MP, this perception stemmed partly from what he called indecision at the highest level of leadership, particularly in relation to ministerial appointments.
Turning his attention to the current government, Dr. Mahama expressed unease over what he described as excessive restrictions and uncertainty in governance.
“2025 was a year of mixed feelings for me. At a point, I felt as though the country was drifting toward a form of military-style governance,” he remarked.
According to the Walewale MP, this perception stemmed partly from what he called indecision at the highest level of leadership, particularly in relation to ministerial appointments.
He recalled that the President campaigned on a promise to appoint a streamlined team of 50 ministers but struggled to complete the appointments after assuming office.
“The President promised to work with 50 ministers, but after coming into office, there appeared to be difficulty deciding who should complete that number,” Dr. Mahama noted.
On national security and the fight against galamsey, Dr. Mahama argued that the government missed a crucial opportunity to demonstrate seriousness and resolve.
“The President promised to work with 50 ministers, but after coming into office, there appeared to be difficulty deciding who should complete that number,” Dr. Mahama noted.
On national security and the fight against galamsey, Dr. Mahama argued that the government missed a crucial opportunity to demonstrate seriousness and resolve.
He said the President should have appointed a dedicated national security coordinator immediately after taking office instead of assigning the responsibility to the Minister for the Interior.
“If the President was serious about national security, including the fight against galamsey, he should have appointed a specific person to oversee national security matters from day one,” he stated.
Dr. Mahama also criticised the handling of allegations involving some presidential appointees accused of involvement in illegal mining activities.
“If the President was serious about national security, including the fight against galamsey, he should have appointed a specific person to oversee national security matters from day one,” he stated.
Dr. Mahama also criticised the handling of allegations involving some presidential appointees accused of involvement in illegal mining activities.
He expressed disappointment that no public report has been released despite the seriousness of the claims.
“I expected a thorough investigation into the accusations against some appointees linked to galamsey, but up to now, no findings have been made public,” he said.
“I expected a thorough investigation into the accusations against some appointees linked to galamsey, but up to now, no findings have been made public,” he said.
“These are issues the President must handle decisively.”
Despite his criticisms, the Finance Committee member acknowledged improvements in Ghana’s inflation rate, describing the progress as encouraging.
Despite his criticisms, the Finance Committee member acknowledged improvements in Ghana’s inflation rate, describing the progress as encouraging.
However, he stressed that macroeconomic gains must translate into real relief for ordinary citizens.
He also highlighted unresolved concerns affecting public sector workers, urging the government to address outstanding issues without further delay.
“Public sector workers still have unresolved concerns, and those matters must be dealt with urgently,” Dr. Mahama concluded.
He also highlighted unresolved concerns affecting public sector workers, urging the government to address outstanding issues without further delay.
“Public sector workers still have unresolved concerns, and those matters must be dealt with urgently,” Dr. Mahama concluded.