President John Dramani Mahama delivered his first State of the Nation Address, addressing the pressing economic challenges facing Ghana, emphasizing the importance of reducing governance costs by limiting the number of ministers. He called on parliament to approve deputy ministers promptly, and announced plans for a national economic dialogue to discuss Ghana’s financial crisis and outline solutions to the national debt and infrastructure issues.
In his inaugural State of the Nation Address, President John Dramani Mahama addressed the critical issues faced by Ghana, particularly concerning its economic situation. Elected for a second term after a previous loss in 2017, Mahama spoke to parliament on February 27, 2025, highlighting the nation’s struggles with debt and cost of governance. He emphasized the importance of efficiency within government by reducing the number of ministers to 60, including deputies and regional ministers, in an effort to decrease expenses and promote fiscal responsibility.
President Mahama expressed urgency for lawmakers to swiftly approve the nominees for deputy ministers, following the rapid confirmation of his ministerial selections. He praised parliament’s efficiency as unprecedented in the history of the Fourth Republic, noting, “This efficiency is unmatched in the history of the Fourth Republic. It demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together to serve the people of our great country.”
The President acknowledged that the country is facing significant hardships, with Ghanaians enduring difficulties due to the current economic crisis. He announced plans to host a national economic dialogue to provide clarity on the financial situation, stating, “It is not my style to blame people when challenges arise; my approach is to confront them and offer solutions.” This proactive stance aims to initiate discussions on enhancing Ghana’s economy.
Mahama acknowledged the burden of accumulating debts, citing significant public borrowing amounting to 721 billion cedis, which has hindered infrastructure development. He described the current financial management as reckless, which is exacerbating the economic problems. The state-owned enterprises are also struggling with liabilities, with the Ghana Cocoa Board owing substantial debts, indicating a critical financial state that requires immediate intervention.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s address underscored the urgency of addressing Ghana’s economic challenges while advocating for a leaner government structure. By prioritizing efficiency and engagement with parliament, he aims to foster a collaborative approach to governance. His commitment to fix the fiscal crisis and promise for economic growth was met with optimism from lawmakers and citizens alike.
In summary, President John Dramani Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address highlights the significant challenges Ghana faces, particularly in terms of economic management and public debt. His initiative to streamline governance by reducing the number of ministers reflects a commitment to efficiency and fiscal responsibility. The President’s call for collaboration within the government and plans for a national economic dialogue demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
