President John Dramani Mahama has delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the 9th Parliament of Ghana on February 27, 2025.
In it, he highlighted the economic crisis, governance reforms, and his administration’s plans to restore stability and growth.
Key Highlights:
Economic and Fiscal Challenges:
– The President declared that Ghana’s economy is in crisis, with severe debt levels, high inflation (23.8% in 2024), and currency depreciation (19% loss in 2024).
– Total public debt is GHS 721 billion, with additional debts owed by state-owned enterprises (e.g., ECG’s GHS 68 billion and COCOBOD’s GHS 32.5 billion).
– The energy sector is struggling with financing shortfalls of US$2.2 billion in 2025.
– The financial sector remains weak despite a GHS 29.9 billion clean-up under the previous government.
Policy Interventions and Economic Recovery Plans:
– Hosting a National Economic Dialogue in March 2025 to address economic recovery strategies.
– Implementation of fiscal consolidation and reduction in government spending, with a lean government of 60 ministers.
– Debt restructuring measures, including an MoU with the Official Creditor Committee and IMF program negotiations.
– Agricultural reforms to reduce the $2 billion annual food import bill, focusing on local production (rice, maize, poultry).
– 24-Hour Economy Initiative and a $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Plan to drive economic growth and job creation.
Energy and Infrastructure:
– Plans to stabilize the power sector by enforcing revenue collection mechanisms and transitioning to 100% gas for power generation to cut crude oil costs.
– Commitment to revitalize the Western Railway Line and Volta Lake transport system to boost trade and transport efficiency.
– Reintroduction of tolls on roads using modern technology and prioritizing key road projects under the “Big Push” initiative.
Governance, Corruption, and Social Welfare:
– Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) launched to recover stolen state funds, with 2,000 corruption cases submitted for investigation.
– Commitment to judicial independence and depoliticization of law enforcement.
– Expansion of social protection programs, including increasing LEAP (Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty) and a Women’s Development Bank to support female entrepreneurs.
Youth Employment and Education:
– Creation of a Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment to focus on job creation.
– Launch of Adwumawura Programme to provide business support and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
– Introduction of National Apprenticeship Programme for skills training and expansion of STEM and TVET education.
– Restoration of PTAs and improvement of the Free SHS program, with a focus on quality education rather than cancellation.
– No-fee tertiary admission policy and improved student loan schemes.
Healthcare and Social Services:
– Introduction of Free Primary Healthcare Programme and MahamaCare (Ghana Medical Trust Fund) for treating non-communicable diseases like cancer and dialysis care.
– Addressing delayed hospital projects under the Agenda 111 initiative, with a focus on public-private partnerships for completion.
– Efforts to combat ongoing cholera and meningitis outbreaks and mitigate the impact of USAID’s funding withdrawal on health programs.
Security and National Stability:
– Security sector reforms, including transparent recruitment and improved welfare for security personnel.
– Addressing threats from terrorism and illicit weapons circulation.
– Strengthening diplomatic relations and maintaining Ghana’s leadership in regional security and trade (AfCFTA, ECOWAS relations).
Environment and Climate Action:
– Anti-galamsey (illegal mining) measures to restore degraded lands and improve water quality.
– Implementation of Tree for Life’ afforestation program and Blue Water Initiative to restore ecological balance.
– Investment in renewable energy and the establishment of a Green Transition Fund.
Tourism, Culture, and Sports:
– Revitalization of the Accra Marine Drive Project and Osu Castle as a tourist hub.
– Launch of The Black Star Experience to attract global diaspora tourism.
– Overhaul of sports infrastructure and policies, with transparency in national team funding and investment in grassroots sports development.
