President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his administration will resolve the country’s economic crisis and restore stability by the end of his four-year mandate. Delivering his first State of the Nation Address in his second term to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, Mahama acknowledged the severe economic challenges facing the country but vowed to put Ghana back on the path of growth and prosperity.
“I, John Dramani Mahama, will fix the economic crisis confronting our country and reset it on a path of growth and prosperity,” he declared.
His speech came at a time when Ghanaians are grappling with rising inflation, a depreciating currency, high unemployment, and an overall decline in the standard of living. Mahama did not shy away from admitting the severity of the situation, stating, “The state of the nation is not good. Our economy is in crisis, and the people of Ghana are suffering unprecedented hardships.”
Despite the bleak economic outlook, Mahama reassured the nation that he is focused on solutions rather than dwelling on past mistakes. “It is not my style to lament and shift blame. I am therefore not here to lament, even though there is much to lament about,” he stated.
The president’s speech was not just about acknowledging the difficulties but also about reminding Ghanaians of his ability to deliver on promises. He cited his past success in resolving the country’s energy crisis, commonly referred to as “dumsor.”
“I promised to fix ‘dumsor,’ and I fixed it. There was no power rationing or load management in Ghana,” he reminded the nation.
Mahama’s commitment to economic stabilization and recovery was evident throughout his address. He made it clear that his administration is prepared to implement bold policies to steer the country towards financial stability and national progress. His economic recovery plan is expected to focus on several key areas, including fiscal discipline, industrial growth, job creation, and social protection for vulnerable citizens.
He stressed that his administration would prioritize restructuring Ghana’s debt to ensure sustainability. The country’s public debt has soared to record levels, making debt servicing a significant burden on the national budget. “We cannot continue on this trajectory. We must take decisive action to manage our debts responsibly while ensuring that critical investments in infrastructure and social services are not neglected,” Mahama stated.
Beyond debt management, Mahama emphasized the need for economic diversification to reduce Ghana’s over-reliance on imports. He reiterated his commitment to supporting local industries, boosting agricultural production, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.
“We must empower our local industries to be competitive, reduce our dependence on imports, and create sustainable jobs for our people,” he said. “Ghana cannot afford to be a country that imports everything. We must produce what we consume.”
The president also pledged to tackle corruption and mismanagement, which have long been seen as major impediments to national development. He assured Ghanaians that his government would enforce accountability in the management of public funds.
“There will be no room for wasteful expenditure and reckless financial mismanagement,” Mahama emphasized. “Every Cedi spent must yield results for the people.”
In addition to economic recovery, Mahama addressed the country’s struggling healthcare and education sectors. He acknowledged the urgent need to improve healthcare facilities, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and strengthen the country’s health insurance system to make quality healthcare accessible to all.
“Our healthcare system is under immense strain, and we must act swiftly to ensure that Ghanaians receive the care they deserve,” he said. “We will invest in modernizing our hospitals, training more healthcare professionals, and ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare services.”
On education, Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing quality education for all, promising to invest in infrastructure, teaching materials, and teacher training programs. He noted that Ghana’s future depends on the quality of education its young people receive.
“No nation can develop without a strong education system. We must ensure that our schools are well-equipped, our teachers are well-trained, and our students are given every opportunity to excel,” he stated.
Mahama also took the opportunity to call for national unity and collective effort in addressing the country’s challenges. He urged political leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens to work together towards rebuilding the nation.
“This is not the time for political division,” he said. “Ghana’s progress depends on all of us. We must set aside our differences and focus on what is best for our country.”
The president concluded his address with a message of hope, assuring Ghanaians that his administration is determined to turn things around. He expressed confidence that, with the right policies and the support of the people, Ghana will emerge from the crisis stronger and more resilient.
“We have done it before, and we will do it again. Let us have faith in our ability to rebuild this country and create a future of prosperity for all,” he said.
As Mahama’s government moves forward, the nation will be watching closely to see how his policies unfold. His promise to fix the economy within four years is a bold one, and Ghanaians will be eager to see concrete actions that translate into real improvements in their daily lives.
