President John Dramani Mahama delivered his 2025 State of the Nation Address, outlining Ghana’s deep economic crisis and his administration’s strategy to reset the country’s trajectory.
Why it matters
Mahama painted a grim picture of Ghana’s financial state, citing massive debt, inflation, and struggling state enterprises. But he promised bold reforms, fiscal discipline, and economic recovery efforts.
The Big Picture
Mahama described Ghana’s economy as being in severe distress, with:
- Public debt at GHS 721 billion, causing financial strain.
- Inflation at 23.8%, missing IMF targets.
- A declining cedi, which lost 19% of its value in 2024.
- State-owned enterprises in crisis, including COCOBOD and ECG, with debts of GHS 32.5 billion and GHS 68 billion, respectively.
Between the lines
Mahama blamed the previous administration’s mismanagement but pledged no excuses—only solutions.
Mahama’s Plan: “Reset Ghana”
- Fiscal Discipline: A National Economic Dialogue (March 3–4) will guide economic recovery, with a leaner government of only 60 ministers to cut spending.
- Job Creation: The Adwumawura Programme and National Apprenticeship Initiative aim to tackle youth unemployment.
- Energy & Power: Reforms will address ECG’s inefficiencies, eliminate crude oil dependence, and promote renewable energy.
- Education: Free SHS will stay—but with reforms, including eliminating the double-track system and increasing TVET enrolment.
- Healthcare: A Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the MahamaCare Medical Trust Fund will expand access.
- Corruption Fight: The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative is investigating financial mismanagement, with a new state asset disposal law in the works.
The Bottom Line
Mahama framed his administration’s agenda as a Reset for Ghana, calling for unity, sacrifice, and accountability. “Ghana’s challenges are not insurmountable,” he assured, promising a future of stability and growth.
