Mahama: We are reforming systems, fighting corruption and improving use of public funds

President John Dramani Mahama outlined his administration's efforts to reform Ghana's governance systems at the Accra Reset event in New York. The reforms aim to enhance accountability, combat corruption, and optimize the utilization of public funds for the benefit of citizens. Speaking at the UN General Assembly event, Mahama emphasized the priority placed on reforming governance systems, focusing on accountability, public finances, and the efficient use of national resources.

The Ghanaian president cited the decision to uncapping funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a key step his administration took following its inauguration. He criticized the previous government's management of statutory funds, arguing that their restrictions on the resources available to the NHIS and other statutory institutions were detrimental.

Mahama stated that the previous administration had capped all statutory funds and transferred any excess into the Consolidated Fund, which was then used primarily for programs intended to secure political patronage and bolster the government's election prospects.

According to Mahama, funds exceeding the prescribed percentage of the national budget were funneled into the Consolidated Fund, which he alleged was predominantly used for political purposes. He accused the previous administration of misappropriating excess funds for programs designed to buy political favor and improve the ruling party's chances in upcoming elections.