Mahama’s 120-day social contract a positive move for good governance – Seth Twum Akwaboah – Nsemkeka

Mahama’s 120-day social contract a positive move for good governance – Seth Twum Akwaboah – Nsemkeka

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Seth Tsum Akwaboah, has praised the introduction of a 120-day performance tracker under President John Mahama’s administration, describing it as a positive move towards transparency and good governance.

Speaking on the “Anatomy of Returnee Presidency” series, an initiative of Gold Coast University, Mr Akwaboah shared his views on the government’s early performance and its implications for the business community.

“My general comment on this whole idea of the 120-day target indicators is that, for business people, they are always looking at what is sustainable in the system, and how it impacts their bottom line. So, a lot of these issues, sometimes one will say, Why do we worry ourselves so much? It is just 120 days, and how far will he go?”

He emphasised that the long-term impact of government actions mattered more to businesses than short-term results. However, he acknowledged the significance of the president publicly committing to measurable targets.

“The fact that a president has said, ‘I am giving some indicators based on which you can measure my performance,’ and is giving us the opportunity to discuss what the performance has been, for me, it is a positive thing,” Mr Akwaboah said. “It shows that we are growing in transparency and good governance.”

Reflecting on the evolution of Ghana’s political space, he noted progress in issue-based campaigning and political accountability.

“I remember in previous years, campaigns were not very issue-based. But in recent times, especially in the last two elections, it has become issue-based. Political parties all have manifestos,” he said.

“I remember way back when Dr Tony Aidoo used to tell NPP they don’t even have a manifesto, and today, all political parties have manifestos and are bringing out issues. So I think we are gradually moving to a very positive end in terms of political campaigning and what governance should be.”

On the specifics of the 120-day social contract, Mr Akwaboah said that many of the promised actions had either been completed, partially fulfilled, or actively tackled.

“The fact that he was able to appoint the ministers within the shortest possible time, the code of conduct has recently been launched, these are all good signs,” he said.

However, he stressed that actual outcomes would need to be assessed over time. “As has been said by other colleagues, they say the sweetness of the pudding is in the eating,” he noted. “To what extent would compliance be? That assessment will have to be done later.”

Still, he concluded that the principle of setting clear performance indicators and inviting public scrutiny was a commendable approach.

“Setting up your own indicators, saying ‘measure me on the performance of the indicators that I’ve set up,’ and then on the basis of that, monitor my progress, I think that is positive. It is something that is welcome.”