Accra, Ghana — Prominent Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has delivered a measured but largely positive assessment of President John Dramani Mahama’s first year back in office, awarding the administration a score of between 75% and 80%.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A–Z on Saturday, 21 February 2026, Anamoah described what she characterised as a period of economic stabilisation and improved leadership tone under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, which returned to power in January 2025.
Her remarks come as the administration marks its first anniversary amid ongoing efforts to consolidate fiscal reforms and restore public confidence following years of economic turbulence.
Economic recovery at the forefront
Central to Anamoah’s evaluation was what she described as a noticeable improvement in Ghana’s economic climate compared with the final years of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
“I think that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has stabilised the economy,” she said. “I think his Finance Minister is doing an excellent job. The economy is doing very well now compared to the last three, four years. Things were quite turbulent.”
Ghana has in recent years faced high inflation, currency pressures and debt restructuring challenges. While macroeconomic indicators remain closely watched by analysts, Anamoah suggested that public sentiment appears more optimistic than during the peak of the crisis.Her comments reflect a broader narrative advanced by the Mahama administration—that early policy interventions and fiscal recalibration are beginning to yield stability.
A shift in tone and leadership style
Beyond economic policy, Anamoah emphasised what she sees as a change in the tone of governance. In a pointed critique of the former administration, she described what she termed an atmosphere of arrogance and dismissiveness toward journalists and public commentary.
“There was too much arrogance… from the previous administration,” she said. “You could listen to their utterances on the radio, the way they were so dismissive of journalists and their commentary. It was just very, very arrogant.”
She argued that the current administration appears more measured in its public engagement, suggesting that President Mahama has applied lessons from his first tenure between 2012 and 2017.
“I think that the second coming of JM is a great one. He’s learned his lessons because his first term also had bouts of arrogance — not with him, but with his appointees. But things are different now,” she added.
Praise for ministerial responsiveness
Anamoah singled out specific cabinet members whom she believes embody a more responsive style of leadership. She praised Gender Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey for what she described as hands-on engagement with social issues, particularly hospital visits and outreach initiatives. She also commended Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his accessibility and communication.
“My favourite really is Oboubia. I like what Oboubia is doing with Mahama. The way she goes to the hospitals and it’s become a weekly thing… I like that,” she said.
Her remarks suggest that public visibility and accessibility are emerging as key benchmarks in how sections of the media evaluate government performance.
Early days, high expectations
While expressing optimism, Anamoah acknowledged that the administration remains in the early stages of a four-year mandate.
“The trajectory looks good. It looks positive and I’m very happy with the work they’re doing so far,” she concluded.
Her assessment, coming from a high-profile broadcaster known for candid commentary, adds to the public discourse surrounding the Mahama government’s first year in office. However, as the administration moves toward its midterm phase, expectations are likely to intensify — particularly on sustaining economic gains, managing public finances and delivering on campaign commitments.
For now, Anamoah’s 75–80% rating signals cautious approval — and a reminder that the political honeymoon period may not last indefinitely.
