President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to embrace unity, resilience, and shared responsibility as the nation enters 2026, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to resetting Ghana for stability and inclusive prosperity.
In his New Year message to the nation, President Mahama expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians at home and abroad, noting that the dawn of a new year presents an opportunity for renewal and collective purpose.
“As families gather across our beloved nation—from the shores of Ada to the savannah plains of Bolgatanga, from the forests of the Western Region to the bustling streets of Kumasi and Accra—I extend my warmest wishes to every Ghanaian,” the President said. “Happy New Year.”
The President observed that in six days, Ghana would mark the first anniversary of the oath he took before God and country, describing it as a solemn covenant to reset the nation and build a future that serves all citizens.
“One year ago, we inherited a nation in distress,” President Mahama recalled. “The economy was weakened, unemployment burdened our youth, infrastructure had deteriorated, public trust was fragile, and hope was fading. Many believed recovery would take a generation. But I believed then, as I do now, in the resilience and determination of the Ghanaian people.”
According to the President, the past twelve months have demonstrated that Ghana is firmly on the path to recovery. Through prudent economic management and necessary reforms, inflation—once above 23 per cent at the end of 2024—has been significantly reduced, with expectations of single-digit inflation by the close of 2025. Currency stability has improved, positioning the cedi among the world’s best-performing currencies.
President Mahama noted that economic growth is accelerating, business confidence has been restored, and both domestic and foreign direct investment have increased significantly. He highlighted the successful renegotiation of Ghana’s debt obligations as a major milestone that has restored international credibility while safeguarding national sovereignty.
“We are now beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity—not as supplicants, but as equal partners,” he stated.
The President underscored the importance of youth empowerment, citing growth across key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services, which are creating new opportunities for decent and sustainable employment.
On infrastructure, Mahama announced the rehabilitation of more than 2,000 kilometres of roads nationwide, the restoration of consistent electricity supply, and the expansion of rural electrification to over 1,000 additional communities.
He further highlighted Ghana’s renewed global standing, attributing it to the administration’s widely acclaimed Reset Agenda, which he described as a governance approach rooted in accountability, efficiency, and opportunity.
Domestically, the Reset Agenda has strengthened democratic confidence, improved public sector efficiency, enhanced transparency, and intensified the fight against corruption.
Internationally, President Mahama said Ghana has taken a leadership role through the Accra Reset Initiative, unveiled at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for reforms in global governance to address inequality and create opportunities for Africa and the Global South.
“This is Ghana’s moment to lead,” the President declared.
Addressing Africa and the wider international community, President Mahama described Ghana’s progress as part of a broader continental renaissance.
He emphasised that Ghana’s peaceful democratic transition in 2025 reaffirmed that democracy works and that African solutions to African challenges are achievable.
Looking ahead, President Mahama stated that the gains of 2025 form only the foundation for greater progress in 2026.
Key priorities for the year include deepening digital education, operationalising Universal Health Coverage through the Free Primary Health Care Programme, supporting citizens with non-communicable diseases through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, modernising agriculture to achieve food self-sufficiency, expanding renewable energy to 30 percent of the national energy mix, delivering social housing through public-private partnerships, and intensifying the fight against corruption without fear or favour.
He also announced plans to implement the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee to further strengthen Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and consolidate democratic governance.
Emphasising collective responsibility, President Mahama called on all Ghanaians—youth, entrepreneurs, civil society, traditional and faith leaders, public servants, and the diaspora—to take ownership of the Reset Agenda.
“Whether you voted for me or not, whether you align with one political tradition or another, there is only one Ghana—the Ghana our forebears struggled and sacrificed to build,” he said.
The President urged citizens to reject divisive politics and embrace unity, dialogue, and constructive competition of ideas, warning that the nation’s challenges and opportunities are too important to be undermined by conflict.
President Mahama concluded with a hopeful vision of a Ghana where opportunity thrives at home, integrity is rewarded, the vulnerable are protected, and the nation is respected globally as a beacon of democracy and prosperity.
“This vision is not wishful thinking,” he affirmed. “It is within our reach. It is the Ghana we are building together.”
He ended the address by calling for confidence, determination, and faith in God, in Ghana, and in the collective strength of its people.
