Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed any notion that President John Dramani Mahama’s emphasis on the country’s staggering debt in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an excuse for underperformance.
Rather, he insisted, it is a call for collective responsibility and resilience as the government moves forward with its ambitious development agenda.
Ablakwa clarified that the president’s remarks were not about shifting blame but about setting realistic expectations.
“The president wants all of us to recognize that it is not going to be an easy task. However, he emphasized that he does not want to just be a lamenter who only laments at a problem, but he wants to be a leader who can rise above a very onerous and a very…difficult situation and still deliver.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He emphasized that Mahama remains unwavering in his commitment to fulfilling every manifesto pledge, regardless of the prevailing economic difficulties.
He pointed out that Mahama meticulously outlined all his promises across various sectors, demonstrating his resolve to see them through.
He further assured Ghanaians that key policies such as the Free SHS program would not be rolled back but rather improved to enhance quality and accessibility.
Similarly, the no-fee stress policy would remain intact, reaffirming Mahama’s dedication to easing the financial burden on citizens while ensuring that essential social interventions are maintained and strengthened.
Government’s Strategic Initiatives for Economic Recovery
Furthermore, Hon. Samuel Ablakwa elaborated on several key initiatives Mahama has pledged to implement, particularly those aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and fostering economic opportunities.
He highlighted Mahama’s commitment to ensuring that individuals living with disabilities can access tertiary education at no cost, reinforcing his dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Additionally, Mahama has vowed to roll out a comprehensive national apprenticeship program to equip young people with practical skills for the job market.
Ablakwa also emphasized Mahama’s ambitious “One Million Coders” initiative, aimed at training a new generation of digital professionals, alongside a broader strategy for large-scale job creation.
This plan, he noted, even extends to facilitating labor export opportunities, positioning Ghanaian workers to secure employment abroad and contribute to economic growth through remittances.
The Foreign Minister also revealed that international partnerships have been forged to facilitate regulated labor migration for Ghanaian youth.
“I already, as Foreign Minister, have some very exciting partnerships that I have forged with other countries, which will be announced soon, to export young people so that they can have a regulated… travel work experience, not being exploited by unscrupulous travel agents who don’t come under any bilateral agreement.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
This, he explained, will protect Ghanaian workers abroad from exploitative conditions.
Another critical issue he touched on was Ghana’s alarming food import bill, which currently exceeds $2 billion annually.
Ablakwa described this as “atrocious” and emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers with resources and equipment to reduce dependency on imported food.
Fiscal Discipline and Governance Reforms
A key highlight of Mahama’s SONA was his unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline.
Accordingly, Ablakwa emphasized the importance of transparency in governance, ensuring that Ghanaians fully understand the country’s financial realities and are prepared for the necessary sacrifices.
He referenced the recent tripartite meeting with organized labor as an example of how openness in government decision-making can yield positive outcomes.
Initially, labor unions had demanded a 28% increase in base pay, but after reviewing the government’s financial position, they showed understanding and agreed to a more moderate 10% increment.
This, Ablakwa suggested, reflects the benefits of honest and open engagement with stakeholders.
Ablakwa also addressed Mahama’s pledge to limit the number of ministers to 60, a move that has met internal resistance.
“The President says that he will not go beyond and he’s come under enormous pressure within the party. You know… when you get over 6 million votes, so many people have helped you to come to power. They have… legitimate expectations.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
However, Mahama remains resolute in his stance, urging both party members and the general public to prioritize national interests over personal expectations.
The President has introduced new measures to regulate government travel, aiming to curb excessive spending that has strained state finances.
Ablakwa highlighted the issue, pointing out that in the past, Ghana has sent delegations of over 350 people to some international conferences, significantly inflating travel costs.
He criticized previous administrations for their extravagant expenditures on foreign trips and praised Mahama for taking a more cost-conscious approach to government travel.
He emphasized that these reforms are not just symbolic but necessary steps toward sustainable governance. “It is to show that he’s leading by example, he will be modest as he has already demonstrated.”
With these bold declarations and policies, Mahama has set the stage for a governance style rooted in accountability, efficiency, and national interest.
His administration’s success will depend on both the government’s commitment and the citizens’ willingness to support and make necessary sacrifices.
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