Ghanaians will judge Mahama on the number of jobs created – Brako-Powers

Ghanaian lawyer and public-affairs commentator Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers says the number of sustainable jobs created under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration will be a major factor in how Ghanaians assess his performance.

Speaking on TV3’s Big issues on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, he said while key indicators of Ghana’s economy reflect a strong macroeconomic stability, the government needs to show the number of jobs created within last two years.

According to him, the government must ensure that improvements in the country’s economic indicators translate into tangible opportunities for young people, graduates and workers seeking decent employment.

Mr Brako-Powers noted that unemployment and underemployment remain important concerns for many Ghanaians, particularly young people who complete their education but struggle to secure jobs that match their qualifications and skills.

He argued that government must therefore be measured not merely by the policies it announces or the investments it promises, but by the number of people who actually secure sustainable employment as a result of those interventions.

His comments come amid criticism from former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has questioned whether the government’s reported economic gains are translating into improved living conditions for ordinary Ghanaians. Speaking at the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani on October 19, Dr Bawumia described Ghana’s situation as a tale of two economies, a “paper economy” and a “pocket economy,” arguing that lower inflation and a stronger cedi had not brought sufficient relief to citizens facing economic hardship.

Dr Bawumia also questioned the government’s progress on its campaign promises, particularly the 24-hour economy policy and job creation. He argued that Ghanaians were still waiting to see the employment opportunities promised under the initiative, raising questions about the extent to which the government’s economic policies were benefiting workers, farmers, traders and other groups. These remarks represent the opposition flagbearer’s assessment of the government’s performance. 

Mr Brako-Powers’ position highlights the need for measurable outcomes from government interventions, including transparent reporting on jobs created, the duration of employment, the remuneration workers receive and the extent to which young people benefit. Temporary engagements and short-term opportunities should not be confused with the creation of stable, long-term employment.

Beyond employment, he has also identified persistent challenges in the transport and housing sectors as issues requiring decisive government attention. These remain important concerns for many Ghanaians, with transportation costs and access to affordable accommodation affecting household budgets and the quality of life of workers.

The government has maintained that its economic transformation agenda is intended to create employment by supporting private-sector production, expanding infrastructure and investing in sectors with strong job-creation potential. President Mahama has also argued that sustainable employment cannot depend on government recruitment alone and that private businesses must play a central role in absorbing the country’s growing workforce.

Ultimately, Mr Brako-Powers believes the government’s legacy on the economy will depend significantly on whether Ghanaians experience meaningful improvements in their employment prospects and living conditions. For many citizens, the decisive question will be whether the administration’s economic policies deliver more sustainable jobs, better incomes and greater opportunities for the country’s young people.