President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana has begun a steady recovery after a year he described as one of renewal, insisting that the country is “rising again” following what he called a difficult inheritance.
In his New Year message to the nation on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, President Mahama said his government has laid a foundation for economic stability and growth within its first year in office and is ready to “accelerate and expand” in the year ahead.
“Exactly six days from now, we shall mark the first anniversary of the sacred oath I took before God and country,” Mr Mahama said, adding that the reset agenda he promised Ghanaians was “not mere rhetoric. It was a covenant. And we have begun to deliver on that covenant.”
He recalled that his administration took over a country facing serious challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and weakened public confidence.
“One year ago, we inherited a nation in distress. An economy on its knees… and hope dimming in the eyes of our people,” he said.
According to President Mahama, inflation, which stood above 23 percent at the end of 2024, has fallen significantly, with government hopeful of ending 2025 in the single digits.
He also pointed to relative currency stability and rising investor confidence.
“We have restored business confidence and have seen a significant increase in both domestic and foreign direct investment,” he told the nation.
Mr Mahama said Ghana has also regained credibility with international partners, noting the successful renegotiation of debt obligations and progress towards exiting the IMF programme.
“We are beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity, not as supplicants, but as partners,” he said.
On jobs and growth, President Mahama said sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services are showing strong performance, creating employment opportunities for young people, whom he described as “Ghana’s greatest resource.”
He also outlined progress in infrastructure, revealing that over 2,000 kilometres of roads are being rehabilitated nationwide, while rural electrification has been extended to more than 1,000 additional communities.
Touching on governance, Mr Mahama said his reset agenda is restoring confidence in democracy and strengthening accountability.
“It is delivering a leaner and more efficient administration… and a reenergized fight against corruption,” he said.
On the global stage, President Mahama said Ghana is pushing for reforms through what he termed the Accra Reset Initiative, which he presented at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The initiative, he explained, seeks to address inequalities in global governance and expand opportunities for Africa and the Global South.
“This is our moment. This is Ghana’s moment to lead,” he declared.
Looking ahead to 2026, President Mahama announced plans to deepen digital education, roll out free primary health care under a universal health coverage framework, and support people living with non-communicable diseases through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
He said government will also work to make Ghana food self-sufficient, expand renewable energy to 30 percent of the national mix, deliver social housing through partnerships, and intensify the fight against corruption.
“Every cedi belongs to the people and must be accounted for,” he said.
President Mahama further announced plans to implement recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee to strengthen Ghana’s democratic framework.
Calling for national unity, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to move beyond political divisions.
“There is no NPP Ghana. There is no CPP Ghana or NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana,” he said.
President Mahama ended the address with a message of optimism, saying the country’s future is within reach if citizens work together.
“This is not wishful thinking. This is the Ghana we are building together,” he said, wishing Ghanaians prosperity, peace, and progress in 2026.