Former Attorney General and diplomat Nii Ayikoi Otoo has cast doubt on the seriousness of former President John Mahama’s much-publicised 120-day social contract with Ghanaians, describing it as a typical election-season gimmick aimed at swaying voters.
Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (19 April), Ayikoi Otoo argued that political campaign promises—particularly those tied to tight timelines—should be viewed with a critical eye, especially in an era where information is easily verifiable through social media and digital archives.
“In politics, especially when it comes to campaign, you have to sell yourself to the voting population. “There are things people say to woo the electorate to their side. The 120-day social contract and what he [Mahama] would do in his first 100 days are all part of the gimmick of politicking.”
Key elements
The former Attorney General highlighted several elements of the plan that, in his view, have either stalled or failed to materialise. One such promise was the appointment of a full list of cabinet ministers within 14 days of assuming office.
“I don’t think it happened within the 14 days,” Otoo remarked. “Some names came later, even considering deputy ministers, and all that took some time.”
He also questioned progress on the promise to amend laws banning the importation of salvage vehicles.
On justice and accountability, he noted that the promised reopening of investigations into the 2020 election-related killings, the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, and the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale have not yielded significant updates, though he acknowledged unconfirmed reports of an arrest in the Suale case.
Otoo also touched on the ongoing energy crisis, popularly known as dumsor.
“The dumsor has not gone. We still have problems with power outages,” he said, suggesting the problem remains unresolved.
He raised concerns about the government’s response to illegal mining (galamsey), another issue that Mahama pledged to tackle decisively. Despite a campaign promise to scrap the legal instrument (LI) enabling small-scale mining in forest reserves, Ayikoi Otoo said the government appears to be walking back that commitment.
“Now they say they cannot do that and instead want to take away the President’s power to approve exemptions.”
He said civil society groups had called for the LI’s total repeal, yet illegal mining continues in forest reserves “in the worst forms”.
Accountability
Addressing the broader political landscape, Otoo emphasised the need for accountability.
“If you are a politician and you make promises about what you intend to do, then the people might not vote for you. So most people come on board and say things,” he said.
“And the media—which is the fourth estate—should be holding them to account on whether or not those promises are achievable.”
Ghana shall rise again
Meanwhile, delivering a sermon at the Good Friday Miracle Service organised by the Lighthouse Chapel International at the Black Star Square, he said the national restoration hinges on unity, truth, and the collective effort of all citizens.
“I believe with all my heart that our dear nation, Ghana, shall rise again. Our economy shall recover. Our youth will find opportunity, our families will flourish and thrive. But that restoration will require that all of us work together in unity and in truth. That will make our nation rise again in”, declared President Mahama.