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Opinions of Saturday, 25 May 2024

Columnist: Anthony Obeng Afrane

Mahama's key policy achievements

Former President John Dramani Mahama Former President John Dramani Mahama

During his tenure as President of Ghana, H.E. John Mahama implemented several key policies and initiatives. Some of his notable policy achievements include infrastructure development, which he prioritized across various sectors, including transportation, energy, and education.

Under his leadership, significant investments were also made in road construction, the expansion of ports and airports, and the development of hydroelectric power projects. Furthermore, President Mahama's administration focused on promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. Ghana experienced steady economic growth during his presidency, with an average annual GDP growth rate of around 7%.

Additionally, he implemented policies to attract foreign investment, promote entrepreneurship, and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

He also introduced several social programs aimed at improving the welfare of Ghanaians. Notable initiatives include the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, which provides cash transfers to vulnerable households.

On the education front, he implemented reforms that included the expansion of access to free basic education and the construction of many new schools.

President Mahama's administration also implemented various agricultural initiatives to boost productivity and supported farmers with free agricultural inputs, including fertilizer.

Another key policy achievement of President John Mahama was the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which aimed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Ghanaians.

Under his leadership, the NHIS expanded its coverage and improved the quality of healthcare services to more regions and districts across the country.

This policy achievement helped to reduce the financial burden on individuals and families when seeking medical treatment and allowed more Ghanaians to access affordable healthcare services.

He introduced a mobile renewal system for NHIS membership, making it easier for individuals to renew their health insurance membership using their mobile phones, reducing the administrative burden and increasing accessibility.

Along with these, JDM prioritized the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities across the country. This included the building of new hospitals, clinics, and health centers, as well as the upgrading of existing facilities with the aim of improving access to quality healthcare services.

President Mahama supported the expansion of the CHPS Compound program, which focuses on bringing healthcare services closer to communities, especially in rural areas.

Moreover, JDM implemented other programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes. This included the provision of free maternal healthcare services, the distribution of essential medicines and supplies, and the establishment of specialized facilities for maternal and child health.