Political analyst, Dr. Christopher Ampadu has expressed mixed reactions to President John Dramani Mahama’s assertion that he has laid a solid foundation to sustain Ghana’s economy, arguing that one year in office is too short a period to make such a definitive claim.

Speaking in an interview with the host, Nana Kwame Owusu Nkwantabisa on ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show on Sompa TV- Kumasi, Dr. Ampadu acknowledged that President Mahama’s administration has made notable economic gains within its first year, particularly in stabilising key macroeconomic indicators.

However, he maintained that describing these gains as a “solid foundation” may be premature.

“Well, it’s just one year, and Ghanaians gave him a four-year mandate,” Dr. Ampadu said. “For me, one year is too short to conclude that the president has laid a solid foundation to sustain the country.”

He identified the management of the economy as Ghana’s biggest challenge prior to Mahama’s return to office and noted that there has been some improvement since then.

According to him, inflation levels before Mahama assumed office were relatively high compared to the current figures, and the dollar to cedi rate has also seen a level of stabilisation.

“I’ll say he has done well so far,” Dr. Ampadu stated, adding that these improvements deserve commendation. “Economically, he has really done well, and we need to applaud him for that.”

Despite this, the analyst stressed that sustained performance over a longer period is what would ultimately justify claims of a solid foundation.

He explained that consistency is key, especially in ensuring that macroeconomic stability translates into tangible benefits for ordinary Ghanaians.

“If inflation and the dollar/cedi rate remain the same or even lower than now as time goes on, and it reflects in the prices of goods for people to feel it in reality, then I can say a solid foundation has been laid,” he noted.

Dr. Ampadu concluded by emphasising that a solid foundation, by definition, should be unshakable and enduring. “Something solid means it can last longer, even forever. For now, I disagree that we are there yet,” he said.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan