H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the immediate past former President of the Republic of Ghana, is often regarded as one of the best leaders in Africa for several reasons:
During his tenure as President, Ghana experienced significant economic growth, with the country’s GDP growth rate averaging around 7%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
Mahama prioritized infrastructure development in Ghana, initiating and completing various projects including road expansions, school and hospital constructions, and improvements in the country’s energy sector. These efforts enhanced the quality of life for Ghanaians and promoted economic development.
He demonstrated empathy towards the needs of ordinary Ghanaians, leading to the implementation of several social policies to address poverty and inequality.
He introduced initiatives such as the Livelihood
Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, which provided cash transfers to vulnerable households, and expanded the National Health Insurance Scheme to improve healthcare access for all Ghanaians.
In June 2015, he launched the free school sandals program, distributing 10,000 Kumasi Shoe Factory Made-in-Ghana leather sandals to school children.
The John Mahama government continued to support the provision of free textbooks and uniforms to pupils in public schools, and expanded the free school feeding program to cover the majority of the poor and vulnerable population in the country. These are just a few of his social intervention programs.
Mahama is known for his commitment to democratic principles, ensuring free and fair elections during his presidency and peacefully handing over power to his successor after losing the 2016 elections. His respect for democratic processes and institutions has contributed to Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy in Africa.
He played an active role in regional and international diplomacy, serving as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and mediating conflicts in several African countries. His efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region are widely recognized.
