Beyond the Aesthetics and Populist Narratives: Assessing Mahama’s Honeymoon, and the Great Future Beyond the Fanfare

The 2024 elections delivered a massive but unexpected blockbuster performance, with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) sweeping the stage with a staggering 56% of the vote. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), once the star of the show, found itself relegated to the role of a forgettable understudy. Then comes President John Dramani Mahama, the returning lead actor, now armed with a fresh script and a cast of young, dynamic characters. But as the curtains rise on this new act, the audience—Ghanaians—are left wondering: is this a groundbreaking sequel or just a remix of the same old plot?

Since assuming office, President Mahama has made a series of moves that suggest a departure from the past. His administration has been marked by the appointment of young people to key positions and a notable increase in the number of women holding significant portfolios. These decisions have been met with applause, particularly on social media, where the youth and gender equality advocates have hailed the president as a visionary. After all, who doesn’t love a leader who hands the microphone to the next generation and amplifies the voices of women? It’s like watching a political version of The Voice, complete with golden buzzers and standing ovations.

But let’s not get carried away by the all the glitz and razzmatazz. Amid the applause, there’s a faint but unmistakable sound of populist drums beating in the background. Take, for instance, the president’s much-publicized ban on government appointees flying first class. On the surface, it’s a move that screams austerity and humility. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that the number of airlines offering first class in Ghana can be counted on just one hand—with fingers to spare. In any case, the previous administration’s appointees were quietly flying business class without the fanfare. So, what’s the big deal? It’s like banning unicorns from your backyard in Offinso Asamankama. Symbolic, Yes. Substantive? Not so much.

These aesthetically pleasing pronouncements have, for now, succeeded in diverting attention from some less savory developments. Reports of vigilante justice by NDC-affiliated thugs and the resurgence of illegal mining (galamsey) by individuals linked to the new administration have been largely overshadowed by the president’s PR blitz. It’s as if the government has mastered the art of political sleight of hand: keep the audience dazzled with one hand while the other hand deals with the messy stuff under the table.

And then there’s the creeping specter of dumsor. Yes, that old nemesis is slowly making its way back into our lives, threatening to plunge us into darkness—both literally and metaphorically. But for now, Ghanaians seem too distracted by the shiny new appointments and populist pronouncements to notice. The honeymoon period is still in full swing, and the president is basking in the glow of public goodwill. But as any married couple will tell you, honeymoons don’t last forever. Sooner or later, the real work of governing begins, and the rose-tinted glasses come off.

So, while President Mahama deserves credit for at least trying to do things differently this time around, he would do well to remember that the applause can quickly turn to boos if the substance doesn’t match the style. For now, though, ɛyɛ zu—all is well. But as the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” And Ghanaians, ever the discerning diners, will soon be ready to taste what’s on the menu. Let’s hope it’s not just another serving of reheated promises.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com