Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a Senior Lecturer and political analyst at the University of Ghana, has rated President John Dramani Mahama’s administration at 60 percent for its economic performance so far, while warning against rushing to lavish praise in the government’s first year.
In a recent economic analysis, Dr. Zaato described the score as a “high 60,” crediting improvements in key indicators like fuel prices and inflation. He acknowledged the positive figures touted by officials as “visible” and undeniable progress. However, he cautioned that such early gains are typical for new administrations and not grounds for over-optimism.
“Every finance minister in Ghana since 2000 has recorded strong performance in their first year,” Dr. Zaato stated, citing examples including Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, and Ken Ofori-Atta. He recalled how Ofori-Atta earned widespread acclaim after his debut budget, with some calling it “impressive and intellectually sound.”
Dr. Zaato emphasized that this pattern of initial enthusiasm often fades. Early success, he noted, rarely predicts long-term stability, as true performance emerges by the third or fourth year. He urged Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to tune out “bootlickers and sycophants” and focus on sustainability.
Drawing from history, Dr. Zaato pointed to past administrations where strong starts led to later dissatisfaction and demands for change. “Economic gains in the first and second years are often not new or extraordinary,” he said, adding that President Mahama himself has stressed protecting these early wins to prevent decline.
While meriting recognition, Dr. Zaato concluded, the current trajectory demands patient scrutiny. “History shows long-term results matter more than early success.”