President Mahama Warns SOE CEOs to Improve Performance
President John Mahama has issued a strong warning to Chief Executive Officers of State-Owned Enterprises, urging them to improve performance and accountability. According to The National Enquirer, the President delivered the message as part of efforts to ensure SOEs deliver real value to Ghanaians and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Performance warning to SOE leadership
The President emphasized that state companies must operate efficiently and contribute meaningfully to national development. The warning comes at a time when some SOEs continue to struggle with losses and operational challenges, while others, like Tema Oil Refinery, are recording major turnarounds after years of debt.
President Mahama said under his “Reset Agenda”, there will be zero tolerance for waste, mismanagement, and underperformance in state institutions. He tasked the CEOs to prioritize transparency, cost control, and service delivery as core performance indicators for 2026.SOE challenges and recent turnarounds
Ghana’s SOE sector has faced criticism for years due to losses at companies like ECG, Ghana Water Company, and COCOBOD. These losses often require government bailouts that strain the national budget. However, recent reforms have shown results — Tema Oil Refinery has reduced losses, while Ghana Post has improved service delivery through digital upgrades.
The President’s comments signal that underperforming CEOs will be held personally responsible. The government will monitor performance closely and take action where necessary to protect public funds, including contract reviews and leadership changes.
Reset Agenda and accountability drive
The President’s warning aligns with the Reset Agenda’s focus on efficiency and value for money in the public sector. Since taking office, the administration has pushed for quarterly performance reviews for all SOEs, with targets on revenue generation, cost reduction, and customer service.
Finance Ministry data shows SOEs collectively employ over 100,000 Ghanaians and control assets worth billions of cedis. Making them profitable is central to Mahama’s plan to free up budget space for infrastructure, health, and education without raising taxes.
Public demand for results
Stakeholders say the directive aligns with growing public demand for accountability from state institutions that depend on taxpayer money. Many Ghanaians expect SOEs to reduce their burden on the national budget and instead generate revenue for development projects.
Civil society groups have welcomed the tough stance, arguing that SOE reform was promised in past administrations but rarely enforced. With 2026 being a key implementation year, citizens will be watching for measurable improvements.
What happens next
The President’s warning signals tougher scrutiny for SOE leadership as the administration pushes for reforms across the public sector. CEOs are expected to submit revised performance plans by July 2026, outlining how they will cut costs and improve service delivery.
The Ministry of Finance will publish SOE performance reports every quarter so Ghanaians can track progress. Analysts believe this transparency, combined with Mahama’s zero-tolerance warning, could mark a turning point for state companies.
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