HE President John Dramani Mahama is set to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament today, Thursday, February 27, 2025, in accordance with Article 67 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
This historic address follows his inauguration as President of the Republic of Ghana on January 7, 2025, after securing a historic victory in the December 7, 2024, general elections.
The SONA will serve as a crucial opportunity for President Mahama to outline his administration’s policy direction and provide a comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s economic, political, and social landscape.
With the nation eagerly anticipating his message, the address is expected to signal the beginning of his government’s efforts to reset the country in line with his campaign promises.
The event is expected to attract a high-profile audience, including Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and First Lady Her Excellency Lordina Mahama.
Other dignitaries would include the Chief Justice, former Heads of State, current and former Ministers of State, leaders of political parties, members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional and religious leaders, and other prominent dignitaries.
The address will be aired nationwide, providing citizens with a firsthand account of the President’s reflections and vision for the country.
Key Themes and Expectations
President Mahama’s address is expected to cover a wide range of issues, with particular emphasis on Ghana’s current economic and financial situation.
Given the ongoing program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), fiscal discipline and economic recovery will likely dominate the discourse.
The President is anticipated to provide a candid assessment of the true state of the economy and outline strategic policies aimed at restoring fiscal stability and strengthening monetary policy.
One of the most eagerly awaited aspects of the address is the government’s plan to tackle unemployment.
With joblessness at an alarming rate, the President is expected to unveil a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
A major highlight will be the rollout of the 24-hour economy policy, a flagship campaign promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) aimed at driving industrialization, boosting productivity, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Earlier, following the President’s first cabinet meeting, the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that President Mahama had been fully briefed on the state of the economy and was satisfied with the policy measures proposed to address the challenges.
He also noted that significant work had already been done toward implementing the 24-hour economy initiative.
Energy Reform, Environmental and Social Policy Commitments
Another critical issue on the minds of Ghanaians is the stability of the country’s energy sector. Amidst growing concerns over potential power outages (dumsor), President Mahama is likely to outline comprehensive energy sector reforms.
These may include measures to enhance power generation capacity, investment in renewable energy sources, and improved efficiency in energy distribution.
With industries and businesses heavily reliant on stable electricity, the government’s plans to ensure energy security will be a major highlight of today’s address.
Beyond economic concerns, the President is also expected to address pressing environmental challenges, particularly the ongoing devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
With widespread environmental degradation and water pollution linked to illicit mining operations, Ghanaians will be keen to hear concrete policy interventions aimed at eradicating this menace and restoring the country’s natural resources.
Infrastructure development is also likely to feature prominently in the address. President Mahama, known for his strong record in infrastructure expansion, is expected to outline his administration’s plans for road networks, housing projects, and energy sector advancements to support national development.
On education, the President is anticipated to touch on reforms to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which remains a major topic of national debate.
While the program has expanded access to education, concerns about quality, funding, and sustainability persist. The address is expected to clarify the government’s plans for improving the policy to enhance learning outcomes.
Healthcare and Public Health Response
Healthcare will be another critical focus area, especially in light of the recent cholera outbreak that has raised concerns about the country’s healthcare infrastructure and sanitation.
President Mahama is expected to reaffirm his government’s commitment to universal healthcare access and announce measures to improve public health response systems.
Investments in new hospitals, rollout of free primary healthcare, uncapping and expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and recruitment of more healthcare professionals could form part of his policy pronouncements.
As Ghanaian citizens and stakeholders tune in to the 2025 State of the Nation Address, they expect President Mahama to deliver a compelling, solutions-driven message.
With the economy, job creation, energy reforms, environmental conservation, education, and healthcare at the forefront, today’s address will shape the national discourse and define the administration’s roadmap for the years ahead.
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