BY Daniel Bampoe
In his first New Year address since assuming office a year ago, President John Dramani Mahama delivered a message of hope, resilience, and renewed determination to Ghanaians across the country and the diaspora.
Speaking on 1 January 2026, the President reflected on the progress achieved in his first year and outlined a comprehensive roadmap for national development in the year ahead.
President Mahama began by recalling the challenges inherited upon his return to government.
“One year ago, we inherited a nation in distress,” he said, noting that the economy was struggling with double-digit inflation, high unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, and waning public trust. He emphasized that despite predictions that recovery would take a generation, the resilience of Ghanaians had enabled the government to begin delivering on its promise of renewal.
Over the past twelve months, the administration has pursued an ambitious economic recovery agenda.
According to the President, inflation has been brought down from above 23% in 2024 to an expected level just above 5% by the end of 2025, while the cedi has stabilized and is on track to rank among the world’s best-performing currencies.
Economic growth has accelerated, business confidence restored, and both domestic and foreign investment increased.
Notably, Ghana successfully renegotiated its debt obligations in a manner that safeguards national sovereignty, and the country is preparing to exit the International Monetary Fund programme with dignity.
“Our young people are the greatest resource,” Mahama stated, highlighting the growth in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors that has created new employment opportunities.
Infrastructure development has been a priority, with over 2,000 kilometres of roads rehabilitated and rural electrification expanded to more than 1,000 additional communities.
The President also underscored the improved international standing, crediting the globally recognized “Reset Agenda” for boosting the country’s image.
Domestically, the initiative has fostered greater government accountability, efficiency, and a strengthened fight against corruption.
On the international stage, Mahama leveraged platforms such as the 80th UN General Assembly to promote the Accra Reset Initiative—a vision aimed at addressing inequalities in global governance and advancing Africa’s development.
“The challenges we face are not unique to Ghana. They are shared across the African continent,” he noted, extending a message of solidarity to neighboring nations and emphasizing the role in Africa’s broader renaissance.
John Mahama urged the international community to view Ghana as a stable and promising investment destination.
Looking ahead to 2026, the President outlined an ambitious agenda focused on social development and national transformation.
Key priorities include:
Expanding digitalization and modern tools for education to provide every child with 21st-century learning opportunities.
Operationalizing Universal Health
Coverage through the Free Primary Health Care Programme, with additional support for citizens with noncommunicable diseases via the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
Achieving food self-sufficiency and transforming agriculture into a commercialized, value-added sector.
Increasing renewable energy to 30% of the national energy mix, reducing costs, and protecting the environment.
Delivering social housing through public-private partnerships and intensifying the fight against corruption.
Implementing recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee to strengthen democracy and governance.
John Mahama called on all Ghanaians to participate actively in the national agenda, stressing that the Reset is a collective effort.
He addressed young people as “the leaders of today,” urged entrepreneurs to seize investment opportunities, and encouraged civil society, traditional leaders, public servants, and the diaspora to continue supporting national development.
The President also issued a call for national unity, emphasizing that Ghana belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, and rejecting divisive politics in favor of shared progress.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Mahama painted a vision of Ghana where opportunities abound for young people, the elderly live with dignity, health care is accessible, and the nation is respected globally for its democracy and economic progress.
“This is not wishful thinking. This is the Ghana we are building together,” he affirmed.
