Experts say the coming months may decide if Mahama 2.0 becomes a legacy-defining presidency or a cautionary tale of a second chance lost.
As President John Mahama marks his first 100 days back at the helm of Ghana's democracy, his administration is being scrutinised not just for the promises made, but for the complex balancing act between reform, symbolism and systemic change.
From tax rollbacks to anti-corruption raids, Mahama has generated both optimism and scepticism in equal measure - reflecting a country eager for tangible change, but wary of political theatre. "The first few weeks of the new administration have been marked by a number of notable departures from the recent past," says Bright Simons, vice president of policy think tank IMANI Africa. "In short, the Mahama administration is doing rather well with symbolism, responsiveness and managing the perception that the government cares about the sentiments of the citizens.
In a democracy, one cannot neglect this aspect of politics." Among Mahama's headline moves was the scrapping of the unpopular e-levy, emission tax, and betting tax, which had been widely criticised as burdensome on ordinary Ghanaians.
