Ayikoi Otoo Brands Mahama’s Social Contract Gimmick

Former Attorney General Nii Ayikoi Otoo has cast doubt on the sincerity of former President John Mahama’s highly publicised 120‑day social contract, branding it a familiar election‑season tactic aimed at winning voter support.

Speaking on Asaase Radio’s The Forum on Saturday, April 19, Otoo urged Ghanaians to regard campaign promises—especially those bound by rigid timetables—with scepticism. He noted that in the digital age, voters can readily verify pledges through social media and archived records, and thus should approach such timelines critically rather than accepting them at face value.

Otoo highlighted the pledge to appoint a full cabinet within 14 days of taking office and observed that this deadline was not met. He recalled that several ministerial and deputy ministerial names emerged well after the two‑week mark, undermining the promise’s credibility.

He further questioned progress on amending laws banning the importation of salvage vehicles, another key commitment within the 120 days that has yet to materialise. On justice and accountability, Otoo pointed out that investigations into the 2020 election‑related killings, the Ayawaso West Wuogon by‑election violence and the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale have produced no substantial updates, though unconfirmed reports suggest a possible arrest in the Suale case.

Turning to the energy crisis colloquially known as dumsor, Otoo observed that power outages persist despite assurances of relief. He also criticised the government’s handling of illegal mining, noting that despite a campaign promise to repeal the legal instrument enabling small‑scale operations in forest reserves, authorities now propose merely to strip the president of exemption powers while allowing the instrument to remain in force. He lamented that civil society demands for full repeal have gone unheeded as galamsey activity continues unabated.

Throughout his remarks, Otoo stressed the media’s role as the fourth estate in holding politicians accountable for the feasibility and follow‑through of their campaign commitments, warning that failure to scrutinise promises risks eroding public trust.

Later on Good Friday, Otoo delivered a sermon at the Lighthouse Chapel International’s Miracle Service at Black Star Square, expressing faith in Ghana’s revival. He declared that national restoration hinges on unity and truth and affirmed his belief that the economy will recover, youth will find opportunities and families will flourish when citizens work together in honesty and solidarity. This call for collective effort underscores the enduring challenge of ensuring that political pledges translate into tangible outcomes and highlights the vital role of transparency and civic engagement in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.