President John Dramani Mahama has presented Ghana as a compelling example of economic transformation, declaring that the country’s recovery is not merely a reflection of improved economic indicators but the result of deliberate structural reforms aimed at creating a productive and competitive economy.
Speaking at the 12th African Debate in London, President Mahama said Ghana’s recent progress demonstrates what can be achieved when leadership, reform and national purpose come together to confront difficult challenges and create new opportunities for growth.
Addressing an audience of investors, policymakers, and business leaders, the President reflected on the state of the Ghanaian economy when he assumed office in January 2025, describing it as one of the most challenging periods in the country’s recent history.
From Economic Challenges to Renewed Confidence
According to President Mahama, his administration inherited significant economic difficulties that affected businesses, households, and investor confidence.
He said inflation had risen sharply, public debt had increased considerably, the national currency had weakened, and the country was undergoing a difficult debt restructuring programme.
Despite these challenges, he said his administration remained determined to reverse the country’s fortunes through disciplined economic management and targeted reforms.
“When I assumed office in January 2025, Ghana was confronting one of the most difficult economic periods in its recent history. But we refused to accept decline as our destiny. In 18 months, we’ve implemented disciplined macroeconomic reforms. We’ve restored fiscal confidence. And we’ve stabilised the economy,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s economic outlook has since improved, and investor interest is gradually returning. “We have revised Ghana’s outlook positively. And investor appetite is returning,” he added.
Recovery Beyond Statistics
A key message of the President’s address was that Ghana’s recovery extends beyond headline economic figures and reflects deeper changes within the economy. He argued that the government’s strategy is focused on creating a productive economy capable of generating sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
“And let me emphasise that this recovery is not merely statistical. It is structural,” President Mahama stressed. According to him, Ghana is being repositioned as an economy driven by industrialisation, agro processing, exports, logistics, digital transformation and value addition.
The President said this shift is intended to reduce dependence on traditional economic models while creating stronger foundations for long term growth and resilience.
24 Hour Economy at the Centre of Transformation
President Mahama highlighted the government’s flagship 24 Hour Economy initiative as a central pillar of the country’s transformation agenda.
He explained that the programme, together with the Accelerated Export Development Programme, is designed to expand production, boost exports, create jobs and improve national competitiveness.
“This initiative is not just about extending working hours. It is about reorganising the Ghanaian economy to maximise productivity across manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital services, tourism, and the creative economy”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He noted that by creating opportunities for continuous production and service delivery, the initiative will help unlock economic potential and attract new investment into strategic sectors.
Ghana Open for Business
President Mahama used the platform to reassure the international investment community that Ghana remains committed to creating a favourable environment for business and investment.
“The message I bring to investors today is simple. Ghana is open for business,” he declared. He added that the country is seeking strategic partnerships built on long-term value creation rather than short-term gains.
According to the President, the government is implementing major reforms to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen transparency and create a more predictable investment climate.
“Our government is undertaking major reforms to improve the ease of doing business. We’re strengthening transparency. We’re modernising our infrastructure. And we’re creating a more predictable investment environment”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Major Infrastructure Drive
President Mahama also outlined significant investments being made to modernise infrastructure and support economic growth. He said the government is investing heavily in roads, railways, ports, energy systems, aviation infrastructure, agro-industrial parks, logistics corridors, and digital connectivity.
The President highlighted the Big Push infrastructure programme as one of the government’s flagship initiatives aimed at creating investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
He further explained that the government is prioritising local participation in investment partnerships to ensure that economic growth translates into skills development, job creation and shared prosperity for Ghanaians.
Stability and Vision for Investors
President Mahama argued that Ghana’s political and institutional strengths continue to make it an attractive destination for investors seeking opportunities in Africa.
“For investors gathered here today, Ghana offers political stability, democratic continuity, strategic geographical access to the West African subregion, and a government that is committed to reform and private sector growth.”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The President concluded by emphasising that Ghana’s long term development agenda is underpinned by a clear vision and commitment to reform. “And importantly, Ghana offers clarity of vision,” he noted.
His remarks at the 12th Africa Debate in London positioned Ghana as a country seeking not only economic recovery but also long term transformation through investment, industrialisation and strategic partnerships aimed at creating sustainable prosperity.
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