Mahama’s 120-day social contract a bold and noble step

Agricultural Research Scientist, Prof. Roger Kanton, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his courageous move to submit his administration to public scrutiny through the implementation of a 120-day social contract.

Upon assuming office in January 2025, President Mahama committed to delivering 26 key promises outlined in the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2024 manifesto within his first four months.

According to government data, 19 of these pledges have so far been fulfilled, two are currently in progress, while five remain outstanding.

The pending commitments include a review of taxes on vehicles, commencement of the 24-hour economy policy, a ban on illegal mining, review of the Customs Amendment Act of 2020, and the introduction of a bill to streamline government scholarship awards.

Additionally, the government is working to reopen investigations into by-election-related killings and to purge vigilante elements from state security agencies.

Speaking during a special analysis of President Mahama’s first 120 days in office on Channel One TV on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Prof. Kanton described the initiative as groundbreaking in Ghana’s governance landscape.

“The president did a noble thing, and I salute him for that. The 120-social contract is a bold solution and also novel, and a sign of servitude. To the best of my knowledge, I have yet to hear of a president who has subjected himself to being reviewed within a period,” he said.

He noted that while such practices are more common in Western democracies, they are rare in other parts of the world, especially in Africa.

“It is common in the Western world, but not on the other side of the world. So, if someone has given you this opportunity, it means the person is willing to listen to you,” Prof. Kanton added.