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| PRESIDENT JOHN MAHAMA |
Accra, Ghana — President John Dramani Mahama's return to office in January 2025 has been marked by a number of policy interventions aimed at stabilising Ghana's economy, expanding social programmes, creating jobs and restoring confidence in public institutions.
While his administration still faces significant challenges, several initiatives have emerged as important components of what the government describes as the Resetting Ghana agenda.
1. Economic stabilisation
One of the administration's early priorities was to address Ghana's fiscal and economic difficulties. In its 2026 State of the Nation report, the Presidency said the government initially focused on halting what it described as an economic haemorrhage and restoring order to public finances.
The government has also reported significant progress in clearing energy-sector debt. According to the Ministry of Finance, the administration paid US$1.47 billion toward energy-sector debt within its first year, with the stated objective of restoring the World Bank guarantee and improving the financial stability of the energy sector.
2. Abolition of some taxes and levies
The government has abolished the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and other measures that it argued placed additional pressure on households and businesses. President Mahama presented these reforms as part of efforts to reduce the cost of economic activity and restore confidence.
3. National Apprenticeship Programme
Youth employment has been another major focus.
The government launched the National Apprenticeship Programme, backed by GH¢300 million in the 2025 budget, with training costs and monthly stipends included. The programme began with a target of 10,000 apprentices and was designed to scale to 100,000 trainees annually from 2026.
The programme is intended to provide young people with practical vocational skills and pathways toward self-employment.
4. Free sanitary pads for schoolgirls
One of the administration's prominent social interventions is the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme for schoolgirls.
President Mahama launched the initiative in April 2025, with the government presenting it as a measure aimed at reducing menstrual-related barriers to school attendance and promoting gender equality.
5. The 24-Hour Economy
The administration has also begun implementing its flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative.
The policy is designed to encourage businesses and selected public institutions to operate in extended shifts, with the broader objective of increasing production, creating employment and improving economic activity. Government has described the initiative as part of its strategy for transforming Ghana's productive economy.
6. Focus on youth skills and technology
The administration has placed emphasis on skills development and technology as tools for addressing youth unemployment.
Its broader policy programme includes apprenticeship, digital skills and employment initiatives designed to give young people practical opportunities rather than relying exclusively on traditional white-collar employment.
7. Anti-corruption and public accountability
The administration has also emphasised greater accountability in government. Its first-year programme included measures intended to strengthen public-sector discipline and reduce waste.
The government has promoted a new approach to public administration that places greater emphasis on responsible use of state resources and accountability for public officials.
8. Agriculture and food security
Agricultural transformation has become another important component of the Reset Agenda, with government pursuing initiatives intended to increase domestic food production, improve agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on food imports.
The administration has positioned agriculture as both a food-security issue and an important source of employment and rural economic development.
9. A stronger voice for Africa
President Mahama has also sought to position Ghana as a stronger voice on African development, economic self-reliance and reform of the international financial system.
His international advocacy has included calls for greater African representation in global institutions and a development model that allows African countries to mobilise more domestic resources and add value to their natural resources rather than depending excessively on external assistance. TIME highlighted this self-reliance agenda as a central theme of Mahama's second presidency.
10. The bigger test: turning policies into lasting results
The achievements of the Mahama administration should ultimately be measured not only by the number of policies announced, but by whether those policies translate into better living standards, sustainable jobs, stronger institutions and improved economic opportunities for ordinary Ghanaians.
There are already positive indicators and significant policy initiatives, but challenges remain. Independent assessments have also noted that the administration's first year involved substantial reforms while highlighting areas requiring continued monitoring.
CONCLUSION
President John Dramani Mahama's second administration has placed economic recovery, job creation, social protection, accountability and structural transformation at the centre of its agenda.
From the National Apprenticeship Programme and free sanitary pads to the 24-Hour Economy and efforts to stabilise the energy sector, the government has introduced a range of initiatives intended to respond to Ghana's economic and social challenges.
The real measure of the Reset Agenda, however, will be whether these interventions are sustained, properly funded and effectively implemented—and whether they ultimately deliver jobs, lower economic pressure, better public services and greater opportunities for Ghana's young population.
