First 120 Days: Prof. Smart Sarpong Scores Mahama 60%
KSTU Lecturer Commends Early Gains, Highlights Key Achievements and Challenges in Mahama’s Second Term
- Prof. Smart Sarpong scores President Mahama 60% for his first 120 days in office
- He praises achievements like a lean government, free SHS pads, and economic dialogue
- Top five performing ministers named, with Finance and Health among the standouts
Senior Lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University (KSTU), Prof. Smart Sarpong, has scored President John Dramani Mahama 60% for his performance in the first 120 days of office.
He shared this assessment during an appearance on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio.
In analyzing the President’s early performance, Prof. Sarpong noted that 120 days constitute only 8% of the total four-year term, and any meaningful assessment at this stage must be guided by realistic expectations.
He emphasized that evaluation can be done on two levels — being assessed by external expectations or by self-set targets.
According to him, Mahama appears to be performing well on both fronts.
“If we are to be fair to him based on what he said he would do and what he did not promise, then he has done well,” Prof. Sarpong stated.
He applauded the President for not overpromising, particularly on complex issues like the reduction of the dollar rate, drug abuse, and job retention.
“He didn’t say he’d bring the dollar to a certain level, but the recent drop is a plus to him,” he said, adding that the dismissal of public workers, though a major political cost, shows he’s taking decisive action.
The lecturer pointed out that while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has focused mainly on highlighting the positives, it is important to also note the negatives — though overall, he believes the administration is on a promising path.
According to Prof. Sarpong, the President deserves credit for several early achievements, which he categorized as “low-hanging points.” These include:
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Formation of a lean and efficient government
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Introduction of a code of conduct for public officials
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Launch of an education forum and national economic dialogue
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The successful Black Star Experience event
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Ban on appointees from purchasing state assets
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Introduction of the Scholarship Administration Bill
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Initiation of VRA spillage investigations and compensation for flood victims
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Provision of free sanitary pads to female SHS students
He also assessed more challenging issues and ongoing efforts, describing them as “moderate achievements.” These included:
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Initial steps in the 24-hour economy initiative
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Nomination of cabinet ministers
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Inquiries into collapsed banks and the illegal printing of money
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Investigations into the Pwalugu Dam, National Cathedral, and missing excavators
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Review of the Sputnik V vaccine procurement and COVID-19 expenditures
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Matters concerning Sky Training, PDS, Agyapa royalties, and galamsey fraud
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Issues with ambulance spare parts, SML audit, 13th African Games, and the distribution of mathematical set
Top Ministers in the Mahama Administration
Prof. Sarpong also named his top performing ministers in President Mahama’s second term:
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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – Finance Minister
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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Foreign Affairs Minister
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Kwabena Mintah Akandoh – Health Minister
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Dr. Frank Amoakohene – Ashanti Regional Minister
He praised Dr. Amoakohene for introducing the Ashanti Fest, calling it a “smart initiative” with the potential to direct development and engagement in the region in the years ahead.
Prof. Smart Sarpong clarified that recognizing these individuals does not imply that other ministers are underperforming, but rather that these appointees have distinguished themselves through their early impact and visible commitment.
