The first 100 days of the John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang administration have been eventful, marked by notable political actions and public debates. Since taking office, their government has actively pursued the promises made to Ghanaians, prompting discussions across the nation.
Ministerial Vetting Disputes
A significant focus has been the contentious ministerial vetting process. Although President Mahama successfully appointed his ministers, proceedings were less than smooth. Friction between the Majority and Minority Caucuses on the Appointments Committee led to multiple walkouts, particularly over the vetting of Health Minister-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. These sessions even saw physical altercations, highlighting the tension in Parliament.
Corruption Arrests Under ORAL Initiative
In a bid to tackle corruption, the Mahama administration launched Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), leading to the arrest of several top officials from the previous government. Notable arrests include:
1. Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi – Linked to the failed $3 billion Accra Sky Train project.
2. Gifty Oware-Mensah – Investigated for payroll fraud during her tenure at the National Service Authority.
3. Kwaku Ohene Gyan (Osonoba) – Also implicated in the payroll fraud at NSA.
4. Kwabena Adu-Boahene – Arrested for allegedly diverting $7 million from cybersecurity funds.
Raids and Investigations
The administration’s anti-corruption efforts extended to raids on the homes of several former appointees, including the likes of Ken Ofori-Atta, Lord Kommey, and Dr. Ernest Addison.
Cocaine Busts
Law enforcement has also been prominent in its fight against drug trafficking. Significant seizures include:
– A $350 million cocaine bust in Cape Coast.
– A $150 million haul on the Takoradi–Cape Coast Highway.
Accusations of smuggling involving aircraft were also raised by Assin South MP Ntim Fordjour, alleging possible drug trafficking within Ghana.
Economic Moves: Tax Repeals
Economically, the government has garnered attention by fulfilling its promise to abolish certain taxes. The annulled taxes include the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), betting tax, VAT on motor vehicle insurance policy, and specific
Source: https://www.ghanaweb.com
