President John Dramani Mahama marked his administration’s first 120 days by announcing significant progress on tax reforms and key policy initiatives.
Tax Reforms and Legislative Action:
Exceeded tax reform goals, completing 3 of 4 promised tax repeals: E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy within the first 90 days.
The COVID Levy remains due to IMF agreements but will be addressed in VAT changes by September 2025.
Nine additional tax-related bills passed, including VAT and Income Tax amendments.
VAT removed on motor vehicles, further easing financial burdens.
Social Programs:
Launched a free sanitary pad initiative backed by ¢292 million in the 2025 budget, aiming to distribute over 6 million sanitary pads annually to schoolgirls.
Governance and Appointments:
Appointed only 56 ministers and deputies, the lowest in the Fourth Republic.
MMDCE confirmations are ongoing.
Accountability and Investigations:
Ongoing investigations into COVID-19 spending, the Sputnik V procurement, collapsed banks, and the PDS deal.
Mahama promised consequences for any proven wrongdoing.
Economic Development:
Chairs a 19-member committee to tackle export issues, targeting a tripling of non-traditional exports by 2028.
¢51.3 million allocated for a Women’s Development Bank.
VRA Dam Spillage Response:
Initiated a probe into the Akosombo/Kpong dam spillage led by former VRA CEO Ing Kirk Koffi.
Recommendations include a Controlled Spill Flood plan and engineering upgrades.
Mahama warned of resignations if proper measures aren’t enforced.
Budget includes compensation for flood victims.
Closing Remarks: Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises, stating the first 120 days reflect “decisive action, transparency, and focus on building the Ghana we want.”
