President John Dramani Mahama has used his New Year address to declare a renewed sense of national recovery, optimism and determination, telling Ghanaians that the country has begun a steady rise after a period of deep economic and social distress.
Speaking as the nation ushered in the new year, the President said the promise of renewal that defined his return to office was no longer an aspiration but a commitment already taking shape.
“Exactly six days from now we shall mark the first anniversary of the sacred oath I took before God and country.
“It was a solemn commitment to Reset Ghana and build together the nation we all deserve. I can confirm that the promise of renewal we made was not mere rhetoric.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
According to him, the administration inherited an economy in severe difficulty, marked by high inflation, youth unemployment, weak infrastructure and declining public trust.
The President acknowledged that many had predicted a long and painful road to recovery, but said his confidence was rooted in the resilience of the Ghanaian people.
He told the nation that despite the hardships of the past, collective resolve and discipline had helped reverse some of the most troubling trends. In his words, Ghana has begun to rise again through difficult but necessary reforms and more prudent economic management.
Single-Digit Inflation and Cedi Historic Stability
President Mahama highlighted significant progress on inflation, which he said had been reduced from levels above 23 percent at the end of 2024. He expressed optimism that inflation would close 2025 at about five percent, firmly within single digit territory.
He also pointed to relative currency stability, noting that Ghana was on track to be ranked among the better-performing currencies globally in 2025, a development he linked to improved confidence and tighter fiscal controls.
Economic growth, the President said, was accelerating, with positive spillovers for employment and investment. He cited a noticeable increase in both domestic and foreign direct investment.
He explained that restored confidence in government policy and credibility with international partners had helped reposition Ghana as a reliable destination for business.
According to him, the successful renegotiation of debt obligations had been achieved in a manner that protected national sovereignty while ensuring long-term sustainability.
President Mahama said the government had begun the process of exiting the International Monetary Fund programme with dignity, stressing that Ghana was engaging its partners not as a distressed country but as a credible partner committed to reform.
Young People Ghana’s Greatest Asset
He emphasized that young people remain central to the recovery agenda, describing them as the nation’s greatest assets, expressing his administration’s commitment to creating sustainable jobs to harness the energies and skills of the youth.
He noted that key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services are showing strong performance, creating new opportunities for decent and sustainable employment.
Infrastructure featured prominently in the address, with the President outlining ongoing efforts to rehabilitate more than 2,000 kilometres of roads across the country.
He said consistent electricity supply had been restored and that the rural electrification programme was being expanded to reach over a thousand additional communities, reinforcing the link between infrastructure, productivity and inclusive development.
“My countrymen and women, Ghana’s image on the international stage has been positively boosted by our world-acclaimed Reset Agenda. This reset involves a new way of looking at things both domestically and globally”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He said the Reset Agenda had strengthened faith in the country’s democracy, delivered a leaner and more efficient administration and renewed the fight against corruption.
According to him, these domestic reforms were helping rebuild public trust and reinforce accountability at all levels of government.
Accra Reset Winning Global Support
On the global front, the President referenced his participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he presented Ghana’s vision for global reform.
He described the Accra Reset Initiative as a framework aimed at addressing inequalities within the global governance system and creating fairer opportunities for Africa and other countries of the global south.
He said Ghana’s call for a global reset recognizes the interconnected challenges facing the world and reflects a commitment to shared solutions.
President Mahama framed Ghana’s progress as part of a broader African renaissance, arguing that the challenges confronting the continent are rooted in shared history and demand collective responsibility.
He said Ghana’s experience in 2025 demonstrated that democracy works and that peaceful transitions of power strengthen rather than weaken African states. He added that African solutions to African problems are practical and achievable.
Extending a hand of partnership, the President said Ghana was ready to work with its neighbours and international partners to build a more stable and prosperous continent.
He invited the global community to invest in Ghana’s transformation, not as an act of charity but as a reflection of shared interest in a more secure and sustainable world.
As the address concluded, President Mahama struck a confident but measured tone, acknowledging that challenges remain while insisting that progress is real and achievable.
He urged Ghanaians to remain united and committed to the reform journey, expressing confidence that the sacrifices made would continue to yield visible and lasting results in the years ahead.
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