President John Dramani Mahama delivered his inaugural state of the nation address, emphasizing Ghana’s economic challenges, the need for reduced governance costs, and a commitment to national dialogue on economic recovery. He urged swift approval of deputy ministerial nominees to enhance government efficiency and pledged to address the country’s substantial debt burden through reforms and fiscal responsibility initiatives.
President John Dramani Mahama delivered his inaugural state of the nation address on February 27, 2025, reflecting on the significant challenges Ghana faces, particularly regarding its economy. Having been re-elected after a prior electoral loss, he addressed parliament and the nation, acknowledging the country’s pressing debts and the need for effective governance through a reduced cabinet of 60 ministers.
In his address, President Mahama urged parliament to expedite the approval of his nominees for deputy ministers, emphasizing the efficiency demonstrated earlier in the process. He believes that prompt approval will enable these nominees to start working swiftly in support of his administration’s objectives. He stated, “This efficiency is unmatched in the history of the fourth republic. It demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together to serve the people of our great country.”
To address cost management, Mahama described his decision to limit the number of ministers, noting public concern regarding previous large cabinets. He expressed a commitment to leading by example, stating plans to reduce administrative staff compared to previous administrations. Mahama outlined, “As I reduce the number of ministers and deputy ministers, we will continue to cut government size in the future.”
Expressing concern about the state of the nation, he highlighted the significant hardships faced by the populace and the economic crisis at hand. He emphasized his administration’s dedication to restoring economic stability through a national economic dialogue scheduled for March. Furthermore, Mahama announced, “I am saddened to report that the state of our nation is not good; our economy is in crisis and our people are suffering unexpected hardships.”
The president revealed a commitment to alleviating the national debt burden, which he attributed to poor fiscal management. He noted the necessity for reform within the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs to foster better resource management. Mahama stated, “We are staggering with debts and often observe signs of deliberate mismanagement of our resources.” He pointed out the public debt and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements as pressing national issues.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s address underscored the critical state of Ghana’s economy, the importance of governmental efficiency, and a commitment to addressing systematic issues hindering the nation. He remains hopeful about resolving the economic crisis and improving conditions for all Ghanaians as he embarks on his term, committing to lead a comprehensive review of all fiscal policies.
President Mahama’s state of the nation address vividly illustrated the economic challenges facing Ghana, emphasizing the need for efficient governance and decisive action. His approach to reducing governmental size reflects a commitment to cost-cutting and improving resource management. Moreover, the planned national economic dialogue aims to engage citizens in discussions essential for creating solutions to the pressing issues at hand.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
