7th December 2025 marks one year since Ghanaians exercised democratic will to restore governance integrity through the National Democratic Congress's overwhelming victory. John Dramani Mahama secured 56.3% of votes against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia's 41.3%, whilst the NDC won 185 parliamentary seats to the NPP's 87. This decisive outcome reflected Ghanaians' rejection of eight years of economic mismanagement, institutional damage, and systemic corruption under the New Patriotic Party administration.

The NPP's tenure (2017-2024) imposed severe hardship across Ghana. Public debt surged from 56% of GDP in 2016 to over 80% by 2023, necessitating a $3 billion IMF bailout in May 2023. Inflation peaked at 54% in December 2022, the highest in two decades.

The cedi collapsed from 4.2 GHS per USD in 2016 to approximately 12 GHS by 2023, devastating purchasing power. Youth unemployment remained stubbornly high whilst Ghana spent 42% of revenue servicing debt between 2017 and 2022, strangling investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Corruption scandals proliferated with impunity. The Power Distribution Services deal, terminated in 2019, cost Ghana millions through alleged fraud. The Agyapa Royalties transaction consumed $12 million in expenditure on a deal fraught with procurement rigging and statutory breaches, as confirmed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. COVID-19 procurement irregularities saw misappropriation of relief funds.

The 500 excavators seized to fight illegal mining mysteriously vanished, distributed to party functionaries whilst galamsey destroyed rivers unchecked. The National Cathedral project consumed public funds without accountability.

Against this backdrop, diaspora communities mobilised with extraordinary commitment. The Zongo Caucus, particularly the UK & Ireland Chapter, demonstrated resilience through fundraising drives, voter registration campaigns, and community sensitisation engagements.

Members contributed personal resources beyond central party contributions and sustained commitment through eight years of opposition. These efforts, alongside nationwide ground campaigns in Zongo communities, proved decisive in securing the democratic change that swept across Ghana, including overwhelming support in Zongo constituencies nationwide.

However, victory brings responsibility that requires constant reflection to enable alignment with the ideals and aspirations of the people. The NDC government must deliver on promises to restore institutional independence, particularly of the Electoral Commission, judiciary, and anti-corruption bodies.

Economic recovery requires disciplined fiscal management, transparent procurement, and strategic debt restructuring whilst protecting vulnerable populations.

Zongo communities expect tangible development in education infrastructure, economic empowerment programmes, and youth employment initiatives. The diaspora, having invested significantly in this democratic restoration, monitors progress closely.

The UK and Ireland Zongo Caucus highlights the imperative of consciousness regarding electoral cycles. We understand that when the next election approaches, the tangible deliverables of government will serve as the campaign foundation upon which the party must stand to seek renewed mandate from the people. Therefore, we encourage all government officials to discharge their duties with integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the public good. Performance, not promises, will determine our collective future.

One year on, we honour Ghanaians who chose democratic change. We celebrate Zongo Caucus members whose sacrifices enabled this restoration. We acknowledge diaspora commitment that bridged continents for Ghana's future. Yet celebration must yield to vigilance. The journey towards prosperity demands continued engagement, accountability, and unwavering commitment to good governance.

Together, we secured change. Together, we shall ensure it delivers the Better Ghana That We Deserve.