Mahama’s Economic Challenges: Debt, Jobs, and Galamsey

The political trajectory of Ghana has reached a pivotal moment as John Dramani Mahama ascends to the presidency once again, following his emphatic victory in the 2024 general election. This development, hailed by some as a remarkable comeback, sees the return of a leader with prior presidential experience at a time when the nation is grappling with complex economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges. Mahama’s victory is more than just a personal triumph—it is a mandate that reflects the electorate’s demand for fresh leadership, decisive action, and a renewed focus on the issues most pressing to Ghanaians. However, the stakes are high, and the path ahead is fraught with challenges requiring immediate attention, careful diplomacy, and innovative governance.

A Landmark Election with Far-Reaching Implications
December 7, 2024, will go down in Ghanaian history as a day of political transformation. In an election that saw robust voter participation, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious with 56.6% of the vote, decisively defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 41.6%. This victory not only marks Mahama’s triumphant return to power but also ushers in a new era for Ghana with the election of its first female vice president, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Her presence on the ticket signals progress in gender representation in Ghanaian politics, inspiring women and young girls across the country to envision a greater role in public leadership.
For Mahama, this moment comes after years of political perseverance. Following his initial presidency from 2012 to 2016, Mahama faced consecutive electoral defeats in 2016 and 2020. His return to power in 2024 underscores both his enduring political relevance and the public’s willingness to entrust him once more with the nation’s leadership. His campaign resonated deeply with citizens disillusioned by the NPP’s handling of critical national issues, especially the economy. Inflation, debt, and youth unemployment have eroded public confidence, while environmental degradation caused by illegal gold mining—commonly referred to as “galamsey”—has fueled widespread anger. The campaign’s focus on these issues proved instrumental in galvanizing voter support.

Mahama’s Economic Challenges: Debt, Jobs, and Galamsey
The economic landscape Mahama inherits is precarious. Ghana’s debt levels have reached alarming heights, undermining the country’s fiscal stability and constraining its ability to fund development projects. Inflation has hit double digits, diminishing the purchasing power of ordinary Ghanaians and exacerbating the cost of living crisis. Youth unemployment remains an acute problem, with thousands of graduates unable to find jobs in a stagnant economy.
Equally pressing is the issue of galamsey, which has devastated rivers, forests, and water sources. Local communities have borne the brunt of this environmental destruction, with many villages losing access to clean drinking water and agricultural land. Public frustration over the government’s perceived inability to curb galamsey has reached a boiling point, manifesting in protests and community-led actions. Mahama’s campaign promised a comprehensive approach to tackling galamsey, including stricter enforcement of mining regulations, investment in water restoration projects, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for affected communities. How effectively he delivers on these promises will be a litmus test for his administration.

A New Chapter in Ghana-Burkina Faso Relations
Beyond domestic challenges, Mahama faces the critical task of restoring Ghana’s diplomatic ties with neighboring Burkina Faso, which were severely strained under the previous administration. Under Nana Akufo-Addo, relations with Burkina Faso soured following accusations that Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s government had hired Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, allegedly paying for their services with mining rights. These allegations, made publicly during a U.S.-Africa summit, provoked outrage in Burkina Faso and were seen by many as an ill-advised move that lacked diplomatic finesse. The fallout not only isolated Ghana within the region but also raised questions about the Akufo-Addo administration’s alignment with

Western powers at the expense of African solidarity.
Mahama has made it clear that rebuilding trust with Burkina Faso is among his top foreign policy priorities. His approach contrasts sharply with his predecessor’s, emphasizing private dialogue and mutual respect over public accusations. In his victory speech, Mahama called for a reset in Ghana-Burkina Faso relations, highlighting the need for cooperation on shared challenges such as border security and the fight against insurgency in the Sahel region. His tone reflects a broader vision of African unity and self-reliance, principles he believes are critical to ensuring peace and stability in West Africa.
The Threat of Sahelian Insurgency: A Growing Concern
The insurgency sweeping across the Sahel has emerged as one of the most pressing security threats in West Africa. Militant groups linked to terrorism have destabilized large swathes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with the violence increasingly spilling over into Ghana and other neighboring countries. Ghana’s northern border regions, including areas like Bawku, have become hotspots for tensions, exacerbated by ethnic rivalries and the infiltration of militant networks.
Security analysts warn that Ghana risks becoming a logistics hub for terrorists, with militants reportedly using the country as a base for regrouping and resupplying. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of Mahama’s call for enhanced border security and closer collaboration with Burkina Faso to address these threats. His administration has hinted at plans to increase funding for border patrols, deploy advanced surveillance technology, and strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms with regional allies.
A Broader Vision: African Unity and Sovereignty
Mahama’s foreign policy vision extends beyond immediate security concerns to encompass a broader critique of Western interference in African affairs. He has consistently argued for a more autonomous and united Africa, where nations work collaboratively to solve shared problems without undue influence from external powers. His criticism of Akufo-Addo’s handling of the Burkina Faso situation aligns with this worldview, portraying his predecessor as overly reliant on Western approval at the expense of African cohesion.
This stance resonates with historical examples of African leaders who championed integration and sovereignty, such as Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi. While Gaddafi’s legacy remains controversial, his vision of a self-reliant Africa continues to inspire leaders like Mahama, who see unity as essential to the continent’s progress. Mahama’s commitment to strengthening ties with African neighbors, particularly in the face of external pressures, reflects a desire to rekindle this spirit of pan-African solidarity.
Conclusion: High Expectations for a Second Term
As John Dramani Mahama prepares to assume the presidency, his administration faces a complex web of challenges that demand immediate and sustained attention. From stabilizing Ghana’s economy and combating galamsey to restoring diplomatic ties with Burkina Faso and addressing regional security threats, Mahama’s leadership will be tested on multiple fronts. His ability to navigate these challenges while promoting African unity and self-determination will define his legacy.
Mahama’s early rhetoric has sparked cautious optimism, but the road ahead will require more than words. Ghanaians are looking for tangible results: cleaner rivers, safer borders, more jobs, and stronger partnerships with neighboring countries. If Mahama can deliver on these expectations, his presidency may well mark a turning point for Ghana, setting the nation on a path toward renewed prosperity and regional leadership.
What are your thoughts on Mahama’s vision for Ghana and his prospects for success? Join the conversation and share your perspective!

“How can Ghana hope to secure its borders without rebuilding trust and cooperation with its neighbors, especially Burkina Faso?”
“What lessons can Ghana learn from the past to avoid repeating the mistakes of leaders who allowed Western influence to overshadow African solidarity?”
“Can Mahama’s administration successfully bridge the gap between the people’s expectations for change and the pressing economic and security challenges facing the nation?“