President John Dramani Mahama has said the economic state of our nation is dire. Delivering his first State of the Nation Address since assuming office on January 7, he emphasized that Ghana’s current economic situation is not good.
Addressing the nation, Mahama referenced Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the President to provide an update on the nation’s state. He reflected on his political journey, recalling his first steps in public service in 1996 as a Member of Parliament for the Bole Bamboe constituency. Mahama expressed gratitude to Parliament for the swift vetting and approval of his ministerial nominees, adding that he hoped for the same expedience in confirming his deputy ministerial nominees.
Highlighting his commitment to reducing government expenditure, he announced a significant reduction in the number of ministers and deputy ministers to 60, including regional ministers. “. I trust that this significant reduction to 60 ministers and deputy ministers, including regional ministers, will set the stage for further reductions in the size of future governments. With the inauguration of the Council of State, we can begin appointing the staff of the Presidency. I intend to significantly reduce the number of staff compared to what existed under previous administrations,” he stated. He further emphasized his goal of cutting down government costs and reducing the budget deficit.
Despite acknowledging Ghana’s democratic stability and peaceful transfers of power, Mahama did not shy away from the country’s pressing challenges. “I am sad to report that the state of our nation is not good. Our economy is in crisis, and our people are suffering unprecedented hardships,” he declared.
To address these economic difficulties, Mahama announced a National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 10 and 4, followed by the Finance Minister’s budget presentation on March 11. Mr. Speaker, we will host a National Economic Dialogue on March 10 and 4. On March 11, the Minister of Finance, on my behalf, will present the budget estimates for the financial year 2025 to this August House.These two events will allow us to present the real state of Ghana’s economic crisis to the people,” he said.
Mahama affirmed his commitment to confronting the state of the nation’s challenges head-on. He conveyed that it was not his style to lament and shift blame when confronted with challenges. it is not my style to lament and shift blame when confronted with challenges.
My approach is to accept challenges and work hard to resolve them. Indeed, this is precisely what the people of Ghana elected me to do. I have therefore not come here to lament on the state of our country,” he asserted. He vowed to tackle the country’s economic troubles with decisive action, stating, “Though there is much to lament about, I understand why I was elected with such high voter confidence, and that is to solve Ghana’s problems.”
Reflecting on past achievements, Mahama recalled his efforts in resolving the nation’s power crisis. The President’s address underscored the economic challenges facing the country while affirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the state of the nation through policy reforms and decisive leadership.
