Security Analyst, Prof Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah has described President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office as a period that has restored hope in Ghana, following widespread public anxiety over economic decline, unemployment and insecurity.
In an exclusive interview with GBC News in Koforidua, the Analyst who is also the Principal of the SDA College of Education at Asokore, said many Ghanaians had lost confidence in the country’s future, fearing continuous depreciation of the cedi, worsening unemployment and deteriorating security.
“Ghanaians had lost hope. People thought the cedi would continue to depreciate, unemployment would keep rising and security would worsen. But within one year, the President has restored hope, he said.”
According to him, the Mahama administration has within one year recorded noticeable improvements across key sectors of the economy, including education, agriculture, health and finance.
He noted that in the education sector, ongoing structural expansion to help accommodate growing student enrolment, while the agricultural sector has seen significant transformation through the distribution of farm inputs to farmers among others.
“In education, we are seeing expansion to host more students. In agriculture, the transformation in the distribution of farm inputs is very clear, he added.”
Prof Adzahlie-Mensah also commended government for continuing previously abandoned projects and making strides in reducing public debt. He highlighted the role of the Gold Board in curbing gold smuggling and reducing leakages in the sector, explaining that the structured gold purchasing system has played a critical role in stabilizing the cedi.
“The Gold Board has helped Ghana a lot. It has reduced gold smuggling and leakages and provided a proper vehicle for gold purchasing, which has been instrumental in stabilizing the cedi, he indicated.”
Despite global economic pressures, he said fuel prices in Ghana continue to decline, a development he described as unexpected and commendable. “The drop in petrol prices despite global issues was not envisaged by the people, and that is a big plus for the government.”
Touching on economic management, the Analyst praised the Vice President, a professional teacher by training, for effectively chairing the Economic Management Team and contributing to the stabilization of the cedi.
“Teachers should be proud. The Vice President is a teacher, yet as Chairman of the Economic Management Team, she has helped stabilise the cedi and deserves commendation.”
The health sector, he added, is gradually stabilizing, with government plans to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme and expand coverage across the country.
On foreign policy, Prof Adzahlie-Mensah said Ghana’s current international relations posture has enhanced its global standing, noting that the country has chosen to align with vulnerable populations and uphold truth, despite the difficult choices such positions sometimes attract.
“Ghana has chosen to side with the vulnerable and with truth, even when international dynamics raise some alarms. That position is very important.”
He further observed that recent plans for President Mahama to chair some African Associations are a clear indication that the continent is taking notice of the leadership being demonstrated in Ghana.
However, the Analyst acknowledged some shortfalls, particularly in the implementation of the 24-hour economy, stressing that the policy requires strong foundational work before full rollout.
“The 24-hour economy needs foundations to be laid. It is not something that can just be implemented overnight, he stated.”
On the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, Prof Adzahlie-Mensah described the issue as complex and gradual, noting that while the declaration of some forest reserves as security zones is a good first step, effective enforcement backed by strong political will remains critical.
“The problem is not galamsey per se, but certain practices that pollute rivers and destroy forests and farmlands. Declaring forest reserves as security zones is the first step; enforcement with political will must follow.”
As part of his recommendations, the Analyst urged government appointees to lead with clear intentions, emulate the President’s leadership style and remain focused on addressing the needs of the people.
He also called on security agencies to recognize the magnitude of Ghana’s security threats and invest in capacity-building to protect the state.
The Analyst encouraged Parliament to continue its oversight role and advised President Mahama to review the National Security Strategy developed in 2020 to align it with current national development priorities.
He said the strategy should be updated to reduce socio-economic, political, educational and security risks while improving living conditions for Ghanaians.
“The National Security Strategy should be reviewed to reduce socio-economic, political and educational risks and make life more bearable for Ghanaians.”
The Analyst pledged his support to government should the President require professional assistance in reviewing the national security document.
