In a nationally televised New Year’s address on Thursday evening, President John Dramani Mahama declared that Ghana is steadily recovering from economic distress and firmly charting a path of renewal.

Marking the approach of his administration’s first anniversary, the President outlined what he described as significant progress in economic stabilisation, infrastructure rehabilitation and the restoration of international credibility under the Reset Agenda.

Speaking from the seat of government, President Mahama recalled the solemn covenant he made with Ghanaians on January 7, 2025, to reset the nation, insisting that his administration had begun to deliver on that promise despite inheriting a country “in distress”.

“We were told that recovery would take a generation. But I knew something our critics did not. I knew the resilient spirit of the Ghanaian people,” President Mahama said.

He added, “At the dawn of the New Year, I stand before you to say, our beloved nation, Ghana, is rising again.”

Economic indicators

A central focus of the address was the reported reduction in inflation from over 23 per cent at the end of 2024 to a projected single-digit figure of just above five per cent by the end of 2025.

The President also cited relative currency stability, stating that the cedi was poised to rank among the world’s top-performing currencies.

He announced the successful renegotiation of Ghana’s debt obligations and confirmed the start of what he described as a dignified exit from the International Monetary Fund programme.

“We are exiting not as supplicants, but as partners,” he stated, linking the development to restored business confidence and a notable increase in both domestic and foreign investment.

Development

On infrastructure, President Mahama said rehabilitation works had commenced on more than 2,000 kilometres of roads nationwide.

He further reported the restoration of consistent electricity supply and the ongoing expansion of rural electrification to over 1,000 additional communities.

The President explained that the Reset Agenda operates on two fronts. Domestically, it is promoting a leaner administration, enhanced accountability and a revitalised fight against corruption.

Internationally, he said it is being advanced through the Accra Reset Initiative, a framework for reforming global governance systems, which he presented at the United Nations General Assembly.

“This is Ghana’s moment to lead,” he declared.

Looking ahead to 2026, President Mahama described the gains of the past year as a foundation for accelerated action.

Key priorities include the operationalisation of Universal Health Coverage through the Free Primary Health Care Programme, efforts to achieve national food self-sufficiency and the delivery of social housing through public-private partnerships.

He also pledged to intensify the fight against corruption with “no sacred cows” and to implement the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee.

President Mahama issued a unifying call to action, addressing various segments of society. He urged young people to lead today, entrepreneurs to invest in the economy, civil society to continue holding government accountable and members of the diaspora to bring their expertise and resources home.

He appealed for an end to political division, stressing, “There is no NPP Ghana. There is no CPP Ghana or NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana.”

The President concluded with an optimistic vision of a future where opportunities abound at home and Ghana stands as a beacon on the African continent.

“This is not wishful thinking. This is the Ghana we are building together,” he said, before wishing Ghanaians a prosperous, peaceful and progressive 2026.