President John Mahama’s first 100 days in office have drawn sharp criticism from the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), which has scored his performance a mere 4 out of 10.
The group is warning that Ghana stands “at a crucial crossroads — between the promise of renewal and the risk of relapse.”
In its assessment, the Movement painted a picture of a presidency that has offered “glimpses of both opportunity and peril,” noting that while Mahama has demonstrated “calm demeanor, initial outreach, and respect for institutional continuity,” these positives have been “overshadowed” by mounting failures and inaction.
“The presidency, in any democratic society, is not a throne of privilege but a platform of responsibility,” the group stated emphatically.
“It is not enough for a leader to avoid conflict or maintain decorum; leadership must be felt through action, tested through adversity, and proven through transformation.”
According to the CDM, systemic challenges such as “political victimisation, erratic power supply, fiscal profligacy, and creeping executive overreach” continue to haunt Mahama’s administration, threatening to unravel democratic gains made over the years.
“The Centre for Democratic Movement’s performance score of 4 out of 10 underscores a critical truth: much more is expected than has been delivered within the first 100 days,” the statement read.
“Ghana’s challenges — deepening inequality, environmental degradation, judicial independence, economic vulnerability, and public sector dysfunction — cannot be solved through rhetoric, symbolism, or partisan maneuvering. They require courage, conviction, and a bold commitment to institutional reform and social justice.”
In one of its most forceful sections, the group called on President Mahama to “rise above party, praise, and personality” and assume the mantle of transformational leadership.
“His legacy will not be measured by how smoothly he inherited power, but by how courageously he wielded it in service of the nation.”
To that end, the CDM laid out an urgent to-do list for the President;
Curtail political retribution and uphold civil service integrity.
Protect judicial independence and resist constitutional manipulation.
Rescue the nation from fiscal recklessness through prudent, pro-poor budgeting.
Combat corruption and illegal mining with transparent, decisive action.
Ensure energy security through innovation, not privatization.
Restore public confidence in security forces through lawful and accountable practices.
“These are not just political ideals,” the group warned, “they are democratic imperatives.”
The statement closes with a warning that history is already keeping score.
“The Ghanaian people deserve leadership that is anchored in principles, not populism; in progress, not propaganda. Leadership that protects dissent, values professionalism, and defends the Constitution with unshakable resolve.”
“The window for excuses narrows while the demand for action grows louder,” the group declared.
“Let President Mahama demonstrate that this term will not be a repeat of the past, but a courageous break from it. Let him lead not as a caretaker of partisan ambition, but as a custodian of national destiny.”
