The first 100 days of a presidency provides an insight into how effectively a leader advances their party’s policy agenda, manages ongoing economic struggles, strategies when it comes to foreign diplomacy and maintains public trust.
As Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has approached governance with a focus on economic recovery, social equity and youth empowerment. In Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has for the most part of his first 100 days pursued his “120- day Social Contract with the people of Ghana” to implement some policy reforms, while Donald Trump, President of the United States of America has exercised executive authority extensively, reinforcing his stance on trade and immigration.
Policy implementation and legislative successes are usually key markers of a president’s effectiveness and efficiency and in Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah has made significant strides. Her administration’s decision to scrap university fees beginning in early 2026 aims to expand access to higher education, allowing more young people to pursue academic and career growth without financial setbacks. Additionally, she is prioritizing green energy and agricultural development, evident in the government’s investment in solar power projects and infrastructure expansion. Notable among them is the Windhoek-Okahandja Dual Carriageway. Despite these efforts, her administration has come under fire recently following a scandal involving the Minister of Agriculture, who has been accused of raping a sixteen year old girl, five years ago. This incident has fueled opposition to criticize Nandi’s government describing her leadership as a “profound failure” despite her handling of the controversy.
Meanwhile Mahama has begun to swiftly fulfil campaign promises through legislative action. One of his major economic policies has been the elimination of several taxes that where widely seen as burdensome by many Ghanaians. Among them is the E-levy; a tax on electronic transactions that many citizens viewed as excessive along with the COVID-19 levy which was introduced during the pandemic but was still in effect even after its recession. President Mahama has also scraped the 10% tax on bet winnings which had been affecting young people in the country, as well as the emissions levy designed to charge vehicle owners for environmental impact but was long criticized due to its lack of clear allocation in the national budget. Mahama’s “no academic fee policy” for first year students in public tertiary institutions has also been implemented aiming to provide more accessible higher education to Ghanaian students. Additionally, his government launched the anti-corruption initiative; Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) which has already investigated 280 cases and led to the arrest or interrogation of 70 individuals involved in financial mismanagement.
Trump’s first three months in office have been marked by an unprecedented number of executive orders and legal battles. He has reinforced his America-first trade policies by imposing high tariffs on imports leading to an increase in customs revenue while stirring global trade tensions. His decision to fire inspectors general across 17 federal agencies has also sparked concerns on weakened oversight mechanisms that were originally designed to prevent mismanagement and abuse of power. The most controversial aspects of his second term presidency has been his aggressive stance on immigration, promising mass deportations and an end to birth right citizenship in the USA. However, legal challenges have blocked the full implementation of these policies limiting their immediate effects.
On the economic front, Namibia has experienced moderate growth under Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership. The country’s GDP has expanded by 3.8% at the end of 2024 and is projected to reach 4.5% in 2025 signalling chances of sustained economic stability. The Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund has increased significantly growing from 262 million to 450 million Namibia dollars. Ghana has also pursued its economic stabilization through tax cuts and institutional reforms in the face of International Monetary Fund(IMF) oversight and challenges in addressing systemic corruption. In the USA, Trump’s economic policies have led to a record high of $329 billion in US imports in January alone, highlighting shift in global trade patterns. There has been indications however, that Trump is willing to negotiate adjustment especially on his tariff on Chinese goods which still remain in place.
Foreign policies and national security issues have also been important aspects of these three administrations. Namibia has reinforced its diplomatic stance by advocating for the right of Palestinian people and calling for the lifting of coercive measures against Cuba and Venezuela. Mahama’s government is still shaping its international approach though his focus on financial transparency suggesting a positive shift in Ghana’s dealings with foreign investors. Trump on the other hand, has taken an aggressive approach to trade, prioritizing tariffs and stricter immigration policies while maintaining a confrontational stance toward traditional allies.
Public reception of these leaders after their first 100 days are varied. Nandi-Ndaitwah remains popular among younger Namibian demographics who align with her policies on education and employment though criticism from opposition has still intensified due to recent government scandals. Mahama’s approval ratings remains moderate, even as the Centre for Democratic Movement, in a nine page document rates him at ¼. This assessment raises concerns over pending enquiries into financial mismanagement, restoration of public confidence and prudent budgeting. Trump’s approval ratings have been historically low, largely due to his governance style and policy decisions.
The effectiveness of cabinet appointment and administration coercion is crucial for governance stability. Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed ambassador Emilia Mkusa as secretary to the cabinet reinforcing her stance on gender equality and women empowerment. Mahama’s cabinet structure comprising 42 ministers has been a show of efficiency with a focus on policy execution and economic recovery. Trump’s approach to administrative appointment however has raised many eyebrows as he has replaced multiple prosecutors with political allies like Elon Musk, weakening traditional government oversight structures.
Even as each president moves beyond the initial 100 days, it is clear that their governance styles and policy decisions will continue to shape national and international conversations. Namibia’s president’s focus on youth empowerment and economic expansion sets the stage for social reform in Namibia. Mahama’s commitment to institutional restructuring and tax relief marks a return to ambitious governance in Ghana, especially as this is his second term, and a chance to create a historically lasting legacy. In the USA, Trump’s authoritative stance on trade immigration and executive authority also foreshadows further turbulence in US politics. For these three countries, the successes, controversies and ongoing challenges faced by current administration will define leadership in the years ahead.
Featured image: by Zihao Wang on Unsplash
