Ghana Is Rising Again — President Mahama Declares in New Year Message

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the country is on the path to strong recovery and renewed national progress, declaring that “Ghana is rising again” after a year of economic reform and governance reset.

Delivering his New Year Message to the Nation on Thursday night, the President reflected on his first year back in office, saying his administration inherited “a nation in distress” but has since restored hope and stability.

“One year ago, we inherited a nation in distress. An economy on its knees, unemployment crushing our youth, infrastructure crumbling, public trust eroded, and hope dimming in the eyes of our people,” he said.

“At the dawn of this New Year, I stand before you to say, our beloved nation, Ghana, is rising again.”

Economic Recovery and Stability

President Mahama outlined major gains recorded over the past 12 months, particularly in inflation control, currency stability and investor confidence.

“We have reduced inflation from distressing levels of 23% and above by the end of 2024, and we are hopeful of ending 2025 with inflation in the single digits,” he announced.

He added that the cedi had stabilised and Ghana was now “on track to be ranked among the world’s best-performing currencies in 2025.”

The President also highlighted renewed investor confidence and progress in restructuring Ghana’s external debt.

“We have restored Ghana’s credibility with international partners and successfully completed the renegotiation of our debt obligations on terms that protect our sovereignty while ensuring sustainability,” he said.

“We are beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity — not as supplicants, but as partners.”

Infrastructure, Energy and Youth Employment

Mahama emphasised that infrastructure development and job creation remained central to the Reset Agenda.

“We have begun the rehabilitation of over 2,000 kilometres of roads nationwide,” he stated, adding that consistent electricity supply had been restored while rural electrification had been expanded to more than 1,000 communities.

He stressed that Ghana’s youth remained the country’s greatest resource.

“Our young people are not the leaders of tomorrow — they are the leaders of today. Innovate. Create. Build. Ghana needs your energy, your ideas, your commitment.”

Reset Agenda and Anti-Corruption Drive

The President reiterated his commitment to a leaner and more accountable government.

“Our Reset Agenda is seeing a resurgence of faith in our democracy. It is yielding greater accountability in government and a re-energized fight against corruption,” he said, promising that “there will be no sacred cows.”

He also reaffirmed Ghana’s international leadership role through the Accra Reset Initiative, aimed at strengthening global governance systems and expanding opportunities for the Global South.

“This is our moment. This is Ghana’s moment to lead,” he declared.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Outlining key priorities for the year ahead, President Mahama pledged to operationalise Universal Health Coverage through Free Primary Health Care, expand renewable energy to 30% of Ghana’s power mix, deliver social housing and transform agriculture to ensure food self-sufficiency.

He also promised constitutional reforms to strengthen democracy.

“We will implement the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee to make our 1992 Constitution an even greater guide for the consolidation of our democracy.”

Call for Unity

The President appealed for national unity, saying the Reset Agenda belongs to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

“There is no NPP Ghana. There is no CPP Ghana or NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana,” he said.

“Let us reject the politics of division and embrace the patriotism of nation-building.”

Mahama concluded with optimism and a message of hope:

“This is not wishful thinking. This is the Ghana we are building together. As we enter 2026, let us move forward with confidence, determination, and faith — faith in God, faith in Ghana, and faith in ourselves.”

He wished the nation peace and prosperity for the New Year.

“May God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong. Happy New Year — and may 2026 bring us all prosperity, peace, and progress.”