The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has commended improvements in macroeconomic conditions during the first year of Mahama’s Administration, describing them as “exceptional”.

A report issued by the Centre, however, identified implementation challenges in governance, anti-corruption, and environmental management.

Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, the Director of Policy, Engagement and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana, said this at the launch of the First-Year Assessment of the John Mahama II Administration in Accra on Thursday.

He said that although lower inflation showed slower price increases, Ghanaians had experienced real price reductions across key sectors, providing tangible relief in the cost of living.

Fuel prices declined by approximately four to eight per cent between December 2025 and January 2026, resulting in a 15 per cent reduction in commercial transport fares.

Food inflation fell from 28.3 per cent in January 2025 to 4.9 per cent in December the same year, while the appreciation of the cedi reduced the cost of imported essentials, including medicines and raw materials.

The report noted that while disposable incomes improved in major cities such as Accra and Kumasi, regional disparities persisted, with northern areas experiencing slower price reductions due to logistical constraints.

On debt and inflation, it said that although the government focused on addressing high inflation and debt distress, sustainability through the 2027 debt repayment cycle would be critical.

On governance, the report noted that the administration assumed office amid low public trust, with 28 per cent of citizens expressing confidence in the presidency at the beginning of 2025.

It cited the publication of a Code of Conduct for appointees and the establishment of a Constitution Review Committee as positive measures.

It referenced incidents described as “vigilante violence,” including unlawful entry into public installations such as Ghana Gas, and noted a “transparency deficit” regarding the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, stating that the committee’s report was not published.

It also raised concerns over the use of “certificates of urgency” in Parliament to fast-track legislation, including the Energy Sector Levy Bill.

On local government funding, the report said that the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies received 80 per cent of the allocated resources for the District Assemblies Common Fund.

It highlighted the ‘Operation Recover All Loots’ (ORAL), the 2025 Code of Conduct, and the fulfilment of the pledge to cap ministerial appointments at 60 as positive steps, but raised credibility concerns about the anti-corruption “Reset,” citing perceptions of selective justice.

On the environment, it reported continued illegal mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies.

On education, GH¢9.1 billion was allocated to basic education, and the “No Academic Fee Policy” benefited more than 120,000 first-year tertiary students.

Under health and social protection, the National Health Insurance Levy was uncapped to improve liquidity and reduce arrears, while the number of LEAP beneficiary households increased to 400,000, with transfers indexed to inflation.

In the security sector, the transfer of the National Security budget to the Ministry of the Interior was noted as fulfilling legal obligations.

The report, however, described the GH¢6 million monthly cost of the Bawku Security Task Force as “financially unsustainable” and cited equipment challenges, referencing a 2025 helicopter crash.

The report concluded that the “Reset Agenda” remained a work in progress, describing it as “credible in its intent but unbalanced in its approach.”