Former United Nations advisor, Prof. Baffour Agyeman Duah, has given a favourable assessment of President John Mahama’s administration one year into office, describing the President as determined to leave a lasting legacy.
Speaking on Starr FM, after the government marked Constitutional Day on January 7, 2026, Prof. Agyeman Duah said the administration has made notable progress in governance and economic management, particularly in restoring confidence in the economy.
“Generally speaking, the economy has gained renewed confidence, and I think what is important now is the issue of sustainability,” he said. “The fact is that changes have occurred, and the challenge is how the government sustains them.”
He noted that President Mahama’s commitment to leaving a legacy is evident, even though time constraints may limit the completion of some major projects.
“There’s no question in my mind that President Mahama is determined to leave a legacy,” Prof. Agyeman Duah stated. “His time is limited- he has about three years to go, and while he may not complete all the big projects, if he starts well and subsequent governments continue, then we can see real success.”
Prof. Agyeman Duah also commended the government’s handling of the rapidly depreciating cedi, describing the measures taken as exceptional given the economic conditions inherited by the administration.
“I don’t know of any country that within months is able to stabilise a currency that was in free fall,” he said. “I don’t know many governments burdened by heavy external and internal debts that within one year are able to pay millions of dollars to foreign creditors.”
According to him, President Mahama’s current governance approach has been shaped by the eight years he spent out of office following his defeat in the 2016 elections.
“The difference is glaring,” he said. “Those eight years in opposition must have taught him very good lessons. He had time to reflect, plan, and think with his team about how best to lead the country.”
Prof. Agyeman Duah added that the administration’s ability to pursue major development projects amid economic challenges underscores a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to governance.
