Assess Mahama based on his promises, not on NPP’s failings – Brako-Powers

Lawyer and public-affairs commentator Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers says President John Dramani Mahama’s performance should be assessed against the promises he made to Ghanaians rather than the shortcomings of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

He argues that while the record of the previous government may provide useful context for understanding the country’s economic challenges, it should not become the principal justification for the performance of the current administration.

According to Mr Brako-Powers, Ghanaians voted for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December 2024 general election based on its promises and expectations of improved governance, economic opportunities and better living conditions.

He believes that the Mahama administration must therefore demonstrate how its policies are addressing the concerns that influenced voters, particularly unemployment, the cost of living, access to affordable housing and the challenges associated with public transportation.

Speaking on TV3’s Big issues on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Mr Brako-Powers maintains that political accountability requires the government to explain what it promised, what it has delivered, what remains outstanding and the reasons for any delays. He says citizens should be able to measure the administration’s performance using clear targets and verifiable results rather than political arguments about which party performed worse.

His comments come amid criticism from New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has questioned the Mahama administration’s progress on its campaign promises. At the party’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, Dr Bawumia argued that the government was struggling to fulfil several commitments, including its flagship 24-hour economy policy, and questioned whether the initiative had generated the jobs promised to young people.

Dr Bawumia has also criticised the government over economic conditions, arguing that improvements in inflation and the exchange rate have not sufficiently eased the financial pressures facing ordinary Ghanaians. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Sunyani on October 19, he said many citizens continued to experience economic hardship despite the economic indicators highlighted by the government. 

However, Mr Brako-Powers’ position underscores the need for scrutiny that goes beyond partisan exchanges. He argues that the relevant question is not simply whether the current administration is performing better than its predecessor, but whether it is meeting the commitments on which it sought the mandate of the Ghanaian people.

He has also identified persistent challenges in the transport and housing sectors as areas requiring decisive government intervention. These issues continue to affect household budgets and daily life, making progress in affordable accommodation, efficient transportation and lower living costs important measures by which citizens may evaluate the government’s policies.

Mr Brako-Powers believes job creation must also feature prominently in any assessment of the administration’s economic performance. He argues that government should provide credible figures on sustainable jobs created, the number of young people benefiting from employment initiatives and the extent to which economic policies are improving incomes and expanding opportunities.

He concludes that democratic accountability requires the government to be judged by its own promises and measurable achievements.

While the previous administration’s record remains relevant to national debate, Mr Brako-Powers says the ultimate responsibility rests with the Mahama government to demonstrate that its policies are delivering the results Ghanaians were promised.