The Legal Green Association (LGA) has issued an assessment of the first year of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, describing the period as a reaffirmation of social democratic governance and a departure from what it termed a “property-owning democracy.”

In a statement marking the one-year anniversary of President Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2026, the Association in a statement signed by Festus Matey, Leader of the LGA, and Evans Mawunyo Tsikata, Head of Politics and Elections, said the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power signalled a renewed commitment to social and economic equality, accountability, and inclusive national development.

According to the centre-left organisation, the past year has been characterised by deliberate efforts to cut what it described as profligate public expenditure.

It cited the reduction in the number of ministers from 120 to 60 as a key cost-saving measure, noting that the decision is expected to save the state about GH¢300 million over three years.

The Association also highlighted the President’s directive barring ministers from travelling first class on official duties, as well as the cancellation of fuel allowances and allocations for political appointees.

The LGA said these actions demonstrated modest leadership and a willingness by government officials to share in the sacrifices being demanded of citizens amid economic challenges.

On measures aimed at easing the economic burden on households, the Association pointed to the repeal of several taxes, including the electronic levy, betting tax, emissions levy, and the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy.

It estimated that the removal of these taxes had eliminated billions of cedis in collective costs previously borne by Ghanaians.

The statement also referenced value-added tax reforms announced by the Ghana Revenue Authority, which it said had resulted in GH¢6.5 billion being returned to households through reduced prices.

In addition, it noted a sustained decline in fuel prices, with petrol falling from about GH¢15.45 per litre in January 2025 to GH¢10.99 by January 2026.

The Association further cited improvements in the cost of credit, pointing to Bank of Ghana data showing a reduction in average lending rates from over 30 per cent in December 2024 to about 20 per cent by the end of 2025, with some banks reportedly offering personal loans at even lower rates.

On macroeconomic stability, the LGA highlighted a sharp decline in inflation, which it said fell to 5.4 per cent in December 2025, compared with 23.8 per cent a year earlier.

In its review of public resource management, the Association praised the establishment of GoldBod, which centralises gold purchases and exports.

It said the initiative generated more than GH¢960 million in revenue in 2025 and contributed to foreign exchange inflows and cedi stability.

The resumption of crude oil refining at the Tema Oil Refinery was also cited as a major step towards strengthening energy security and revitalising the downstream petroleum sector.

On social interventions, the LGA commended government for maintaining and expanding the Free Senior High School policy, with an allocation of GH¢3.5 billion in 2025.

It also highlighted the “No Fees Stress” policy, which removes academic fees for first-year tertiary students and provides additional support for continuing students and persons with disability.

According to the Association, more than 152,000 students had benefited from reimbursements by the end of 2025.

Other initiatives mentioned include the establishment of the MahamaCare Trust Fund to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the launch of a nationwide free sanitary pad distribution programme aimed at promoting girls’ education and gender equality.

In the area of infrastructure, the Association referenced the launch of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan in October 2025, under which GH¢13.9 billion has already been allocated to the government’s “Big Push,” with a further GH¢30 billion planned for 2026 across sectors such as health, education, agriculture and sports.

The Legal Green Association concluded that Ghana is showing signs of growth, stability and renewed confidence under social democratic leadership, and urged President Mahama to remain focused on those values.

It called on citizens to support progress, demand accountability, and place national development above partisan interests.