President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger African unity and economic self-determination while declaring that Ghana’s economy is firmly on the path to recovery.
Delivering his address at the ongoing State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, the President stressed that no African country can succeed in isolation in today’s shifting global order.
“No single African country, no matter how well endowed, can thrive alone in this new global environment,” he said. “When we work together, our combined markets, our youthful populations, our natural resources, and our creativity will constitute one of the greatest economic opportunities of this century.”
He urged African nations to build what he described as “genuine sovereignty,” arguing that the continent must deliberately shape its own future rather than depend on external forces, declaring that “Africa must summon the courage to shape its own destiny.”
The President outlined what he called a disciplined and deliberate plan for the Global South beginning with investing in youth potential, strengthening regional value chains, mobilizing domestic capital, and speaking with one coordinated voice in global affairs.
“This is how Africa can move from promise to power, from participation to leadership, and from dependence to self-reliance,” he told Parliament.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to both domestic renewal and continental collaboration, noting that “Ghana stands ready not only to rebuild at home, but also to work hand-in-hand with our African brothers and sisters to shape a future defined by shared strength, dignity, and prosperity.”
The President added that Ghana would continue engaging internationally but on terms aligned with national interests.
“We will uphold global norms, but we will not outsource our judgments,” he stated. “We will build resilience at home so that shifts in external power do not translate into hardship for our citizens.”
‘We Inherited an Economy in Severe Crisis’
Turning to domestic issues, President Mahama revisited the economic challenges his administration inherited, describing the situation as dire.
“We inherited an economy in severe crisis, burdened by unsustainable debt, high inflation, a rapidly depreciating currency, and an escalating cost-of-living crisis,” he said, attributing the downturn to years of “general imprudence and reckless management.”
He acknowledged that recovery required difficult decisions but insisted that decisive action has begun to yield results emphasizing that “Recovery would not come easily,” but I was clear that I would stop at nothing to turn this situation around,” he noted.
According to the President, fiscal discipline and public finance reforms were prioritised to stabilise the economy. Measures included tightening expenditure controls, improving payables reporting, and conducting a comprehensive audit of government commitments.
‘Ghana Is Back’
In a confident tone, President Mahama declared that the country has turned a corner, stating “Today, I can say to you with confidence Ghana is back. Ghana is working again. And Ghana is open for business.”
He said key economic fundamentals are improving and that the path toward sustained growth is clear, highlighting discipline over waste, reform over excuses, and stability over speculation.
As Ghana approaches its 69th Independence Anniversary, the President said the nation does so with renewed optimism, revealing “We are building prosperity through sound policy, responsible governance, and inclusive growth. We are restoring hope by delivering on our promises.”
He described the government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda” as gaining momentum and laying the foundation for long-term resilience. In closing, President Mahama used aviation imagery to underscore his optimism about the country’s trajectory.
“Our nation is on the runway. It is in take-off mode. You are all advised to fasten your seatbelts. The journey continues. The direction is set. And the hope is real.”
The address continues in Parliament as lawmakers assess the government’s policy direction for the year ahead.
