Opinions of Friday, 10 July 2026

Columnist: Razak Azeko

Commendation on Ghana's progress in security, economy, jobs and anti-corruption

John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

Your Excellency,

I write with profound respect as a Ghanaian from Maluwe-Bole, currently based in the United Kingdom, who has long believed in your leadership and wishes to seize this opportunity to celebrate you through this letter.

I commend your leadership and acknowledge the significant national and international progress being pursued under your administration in the areas of security, economic recovery, employment creation, the fight against corruption and reparative justice.

At a time when citizens expect decisive, accountable and inclusive governance, your renewed commitment to public service has offered reassurance to many Ghanaians at home and abroad. The evidence of Ghana’s recent performance, together with your administration’s policy direction, provides a persuasive basis for confidence in the country’s future.

Security and National Stability

In the area of security, your government’s emphasis on peace, stability and institutional coordination deserves recognition.

Ghana remains one of the more stable democracies in the sub-region, even as the 2024 Global Peace Index placed the country 55th out of 163 countries and reported a score of 1.938.

This standing shows both Ghana’s enduring democratic strength and the need for continued vigilance. Efforts to strengthen peacebuilding, improve border security, confront illegal mining-related threats and support lawful security operations are therefore vital contributions to the protection of lives, property and public order.

They demonstrate an understanding that development can only flourish where citizens feel secure and institutions command confidence.

Economic Recovery and Growth

I also wish to commend your administration’s focus on economic restoration and stabilisation.

Ghana’s economy has shown encouraging signs of resilience. World Bank data records real GDP growth of 5.6% in 2024, while the Ghana Statistical Service reports annual GDP growth of 6.0% for 2025 and 6.4% growth in the first quarter of 2026.

Inflation, which stood at 22.8% in 2024 according to World Bank data, has also shown a marked decline, with the Ghana Statistical Service reporting year-on-year inflation of 3.7% in May 2026.

These figures strengthen the argument that disciplined fiscal management, responsible expenditure, tax reform and renewed investor confidence can place Ghana firmly on a sustainable path.

Your call for Ghana to be open for business again is therefore both timely and persuasive.

Employment Creation and Opportunities for the Youth

On employment, Your Excellency, your commitment to decent and well-paid jobs, particularly for the youth, is highly significant.

Ghana’s employment challenge remains urgent, with the Ghana Statistical Service reporting an unemployment rate of 13.0% in the third quarter of 2025, while the African Development Bank has highlighted unemployment of 13.7% in 2023.

These numbers make job creation not merely a campaign promise, but a national necessity.

Your emphasis on agriculture, agribusiness, industry, innovation and the proposed 24-hour economy recognises the need to expand opportunities beyond traditional public-sector employment.

With the right implementation, these policies can create skills, dignity and hope for young people while strengthening families and communities across the country.

Fight Against Corruption and Accountable Governance

Furthermore, your public commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption is worthy of commendation.

Corruption weakens institutions, deprives citizens of essential services and undermines national development.

Ghana’s continued need for stronger transparency, ethical leadership and public-sector discipline makes your pledge to protect public resources especially important.

The introduction of ethical standards for public officials, the promotion of prudent governance and the insistence that leadership must be guided by integrity send a powerful message that public office is a trust, not a privilege.

A firm, fair and transparent anti-corruption agenda will strengthen confidence in government and deepen Ghana’s democracy.

Reparative Justice and Ghana’s Global Role

I also respectfully commend your recent leadership on the reparations campaign.

As African Union Champion for Reparations, your declaration that Africa’s call for reparative justice is now a unified demand has helped elevate Ghana’s moral voice on the global stage.

The decision of the African Union to extend the reparations agenda for a decade, from 2026 to 2036, and Ghana’s expected leadership role in that process represents a major diplomatic success.

Your engagement with African and diaspora experts, and the encouragement of stronger partnerships with CARICOM and other global actors, demonstrate that Ghana is not only seeking national progress but also contributing to historical justice, dignity and healing for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

Conclusion

Your Excellency, while challenges remain, the direction of your administration reflects important national priorities supported by measurable evidence and renewed international confidence.

I respectfully encourage you to continue working with humility, fairness and firmness, ensuring that policies translate into visible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

The expectations of the people are high, but so too is the opportunity to leave a legacy of security, economic stability, productive employment, accountable governance and moral leadership on reparative justice.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.