One Year On : Mahama Credits Ghana’s Stability to People’s Resilience and Strong Institutions

President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed unity, humility and commitment to national service as Ghana marks one year since his administration assumed office.

Speaking at a national, non-denominational Thanksgiving service at the forecourt of the Jubilee House today Wednesday 7th January, 2026, President said the day was not a celebration of power, but a solemn moment of gratitude and reflection.

“As one people, united in gratitude, humility and reflection, today we gather to give thanks,” President Mahama declared. “Today is not a celebration of power. It is a moment of thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve the people of Ghana. Today is not a declaration of triumph. It is a reaffirmation of purpose.”

Reflecting on the past year, the President acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing the nation.

“Leadership is a privilege, but it’s also a load we are asked to carry, and over the past year, we have come face to face with the weight of that load economic hardship, social anxiety, global uncertainties, and of course, the legitimate expectations of our people,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, he expressed gratitude for the resilience of the Ghanaian people and the stability of the country’s democratic institutions.

“Our democracy has remained strong, our institutions have held their own, and our people have shown resilience, patience and faith in the future of our beloved nation. And so for all this, we are grateful, first and foremost, to the Almighty God.”

Appreciation to Citizens and Public Servants

President Mahama paid tribute to workers across all sectors, including farmers, teachers, health professionals, security services, traders and artisans. He also thanked traditional leaders, religious figures, Parliament, the Judiciary and Ghana’s international partners.

“Above all, we’re grateful to the people of Ghana for your trust, your constructive criticism when necessary, your encouragement and your enduring belief that our nation, Ghana, can and must do better,” he added.

He reserved special praise for Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as “a woman of dignity and quiet strength… I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me.”

Thanksgiving Beyond Religion

The President stressed that the Thanksgiving service was deliberately inclusive.

“This Thanksgiving service is intentionally non-denominational, because gratitude transcends religious doctrine. It speaks to the shared values that unite us as a people.”

He emphasized that no government succeeds on effort alone.

“Wisdom cannot be manufactured. Strength is not infinite. Guidance is not automatic.”

Commitment to Reform

President Mahama said his administration had taken “difficult decisions” and undertaken reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and restoring confidence.

“The work we have begun is far from finished, but today reminds us that progress is not measured only by numbers. It is also measured by hope restored, trust rebuilt and direction regained.”

He reaffirmed a commitment to ethical and compassionate governance.

“We recommit ourselves to governance anchored in integrity, competence and compassion… and to the unity of our nation, knowing that Ghana’s strength has always come from our ability to rise above division.”

Looking Ahead

The President cautioned that the coming year will test the nation’s resilience but also present opportunities.

“The year ahead will demand even more from us. It will test our resolve, our patience and our discipline, but it will also offer us opportunities to deepen the reforms we have started.”