President John Mahama delivered his first State of the Nation Tackle (SONA) after his re-election in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, updating Ghanaians on the present financial state of affairs and promising to show issues round for the higher.
He made a number of key pledges, introduced main actions, and outlined plans to “reset” the nation.
Right here, Pulse Ghana highlights 10 main takeaways from Mahama’s SONA.
1. Pledges to resolve financial challenges
President Mahama pledged to tackle Ghana’s economic challenges and steer the nation onto a constructive path of improvement. He recalled making the same promise throughout his earlier tenure relating to energy outages, which he efficiently addressed.
The President stated:
Mr Speaker, right this moment, impressed by the Almighty God and propelled by the large mandate given to me by the nice individuals of Ghana, I’m moved to make the same purposeful and daring declaration that I, John Dramani Mahama, will repair the financial disaster confronting our nation and reset it on a path of progress and prosperity.
READ ALSO: SONA 2025: ‘I will fix Ghana’s economic crisis’ – President Mahama firmly pledges
2. Present different jobs for Galamsey employees
He outlined measures to fight unlawful gold mining (galamsey) and proposed alternative employment opportunities for these concerned.
We’re implementing a proactive strategy that features sturdy and neutral regulation enforcement, significant stakeholder engagement, and the creation of different livelihoods for our residents concerned in galamsey.
3. Transparency on nationwide workforce budgeting
Mahama called for transparency in how the Ghana Soccer Affiliation (GFA) and different sports activities our bodies spend taxpayer cash on nationwide groups.
There shall be no secrecy in how a lot the federal government spends on the nationwide groups. The budgets offered by the FA and different sports activities associations should be identified by the general public. In spite of everything, it’s the taxpayers’ funds which can be used to fund these actions.
4. Sports activities Minister charged to carry associations accountable
To make sure accountability within the sports activities sector, Mahama instructed Ghana’s new Sports activities and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, to observe and hold the associations responsible for his or her spending. He additionally addressed the upcoming World Cup qualifiers for the Black Stars.
Subsequent month, the Black Stars will play two World Cup qualifying matches. I’ve instructed my workplace and the Minister for Sports activities and Recreation to carry the Ghana Soccer Affiliation accountable to the individuals of Ghana as we put together for these video games, particularly relating to the price range of the FA.
5. Bold tourism plan with “Black Star Expertise” initiative
Mahama unveiled a plan to place Ghana as a number one world vacation spot for tourism, cultural trade, and financial progress, together with the “Black Star Experience” initiative to draw the worldwide diaspora.
One of many flagship tasks underneath this imaginative and prescient is the Black Star Expertise, a strategic initiative designed to determine Ghana because the gateway to Africa for the worldwide diaspora.
READ ALSO: ‘Black Star Experience will be Ghana’s top tourism brand’ – President Mahama
6. Damning revelation about Agenda 111 venture
The President criticised the Agenda 111 hospital projects, revealing that over $400 million had been spent, but not one of the hospitals are operational.
If this quantity had been used appropriately, it will have accomplished and made operational about 22 of those hospitals.
7. NSS personnel to bear army coaching
President Mahama introduced plans to introduce brief military training for national service personnel to instil self-discipline and health.
We are going to introduce brief army coaching as a part of our Nationwide Service Scheme. This can instil a way of health and self-discipline in our youth.
8. Assures bondholders of cost
Mahama assured bondholders that the federal government would settle all excellent coupon funds.
We’re additionally constructing buffers within the sinking fund to honour the maturing bonds due in July and August, so bondholders can relaxation assured that they are going to be paid to the final pesewa.
9. Orders manhunt for suspects in NSA scandal
The President revealed that suspects concerned within the Nationwide Sports activities Authority (NSA) monetary scandal have absconded. He ordered a manhunt to carry them to justice.
Such brazen stealing of state assets shouldn’t go unpunished.
10. Guarantees to not cancel Free SHS
Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to the Free Senior Excessive College (SHS) programme, assuring that he wouldn’t cancel it.
I, John Dramani Mahama, won’t cancel the Free SHS Programme. I’ll fairly make it higher from the implementation issues that it has been dealing with.
Ghanaians at the moment are keenly watching the President’s actions within the coming days to see if he retains his phrase.
READ ALSO: ‘Bondholders will be paid to the last pesewa, whatever is owed’ – President Mahama
