The year 2025 stands out as a pivotal period in Ghana’s political
history, marked by leadership renewal, ambitious governance reforms,
parliamentary tensions and moments of profound national grief.
It was also a year that tested institutions, reshaped policy
direction and deepened conversations about the future of Ghana’s democracy.
JM return
At the centre of Ghana’s political narrative in 2025 was the
return of John Dramani Mahama to the presidency, following his victory in the
2024 general election.
Sworn into office on January 7, 2025, after securing 56.6 per cent
of the presidential vote, President Mahama recorded one of the most remarkable
political comebacks in the Fourth Republic.
His victory over then-Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
represented the widest electoral margin in over two decades and reaffirmed
Ghana’s tradition of peaceful democratic alternation.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) also secured a commanding
parliamentary majority, winning 184 of the 276 seats, compared to 88 seats for
the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with four seats going to independent candidates.
The NDC’s numbers later increased by two, following a by-election
in Akwatia, which annexed the seat previously held by the late Ernest Yaw Kumi
and the rerun of the Ablekuma North Constituency election. This strong
legislative backing gave the new administration significant leverage to pursue
its policy agenda.
Government Formation
President Mahama moved swiftly to constitute his government,
appointing an initial 56 ministers and deputy ministers, with plans to reach a
lean cap of 60 appointees.
By January 21, 2025, Parliament had approved the first batch of
nominees, filling key portfolios in Finance, Justice, Energy, Education, Food
and Agriculture, and Roads and Highways.
The pace of appointments signalled urgency in addressing economic
challenges and restoring confidence in governance.
Parliamentary Tensions
Despite the renewed optimism, Parliament experienced intense
partisan confrontations during the year, particularly during ministerial
vetting sessions.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin suspended four Members of
Parliament for disorderly conduct and established a special committee to
investigate violent clashes in the House.
The four MPs were the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi,
Rockson Nelson Dafeamakpor; the Minority Chief Whip and MP for
Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annor-Dompreh; the MP for Gushiegu, Alhassan Sulemana
Tampuli; and the MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
The suspension has since been lifted.
The developments reignited national debate on parliamentary
discipline, political tolerance and the robustness of Ghana’s democratic
institutions.
Economic reset and
legislative reforms
A defining feature of President Mahama’s first year was a strong
push to ease the cost of living.
The President assented to several amended tax laws, abolishing the
Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), betting tax, Emissions Levy and the COVID-19
Health Recovery Levy, fulfilling key campaign promises and winning broad public
approval.
He also signed the Gold Board Bill, 2025, establishing the Ghana
Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to regulate gold production and trade, improve
transparency and strengthen foreign exchange inflows.
In December 2025, Parliament passed the Road Traffic Amendment
Bill, 2025, legalising the commercial use of motorcycles (Okada), tricycles
(Pragia), and quadracycles—a move praised for job creation but criticised over
road safety concerns.
Constitution review
In January 2025, President Mahama inaugurated an eight-member
Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, to revisit
unresolved governance challenges and review earlier reform proposals.
The other members included Mrs Charlotte Osei, Dr Godwin Djokoto,
Ibrahim Tanko Amidu and Dr Esi Ansah, with Dr Rainer Akumperigeya serving as
Secretary.
In December 2025, the committee submitted its final report, which
the President directed to be published for public debate. Key recommendations
included extending the presidential term from four to five years, electing
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and integrating
traditional authorities into local governance structures.
The proposals sparked nationwide discussion on accountability,
efficiency and democratic balance.
NPP Reorganisation
Outside government, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) spent
much of 2025 reorganising after its 2024 electoral defeat.
The party embarked on a nationwide “Thank You Tour”, opened
nominations for its 2028 presidential primary, and adopted constitutional
amendments aimed at expanding its electoral college and strengthening internal
democracy.
The confirmed candidates for the flagbearer election scheduled for
January 31 include Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan
Acheampong, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.
August Tragedy: a nation in
Mourning
The political year took a tragic turn in August 2025, when a
military helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti
Region, killing eight people, including senior government officials and
military personnel. Among the victims were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for
Defence, and Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for
Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Tamale
Central.
The tragedy plunged the nation into mourning and raised renewed
concerns about aviation safety, national security, logistics and the risks
faced by public servants.
Beyond the helicopter crash, Ghana mourned the passing of several
influential political figures.
The death of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady and
founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, marked the end of an era.
Other notable losses included Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia;
Joseph Kobina Ade Coker, veteran NDC strategist; Cecilia Johnson, former
Chairperson of the Council of State, and Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, a lawyer,
diplomat and statesman.
Conclusion
In retrospect, 2025 was a year of recalibration for Ghana’s
political landscape, defined by leadership renewal, ambitious reforms,
institutional stress tests and profound national loss.
As debates over constitutional amendment and economic direction continue,
the events of the year have laid foundations that would shape Ghana’s
democratic future for years to come.
Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
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