President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, stating that Ghana’s economy is in crisis and citizens are experiencing severe hardships.
Delivering his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in his second term as President of the Republic of Ghana on Thursday February 27, 2025, in Parliament, he insisted that urgent measures were needed to address the economic downturn.
He attributed the current difficulties to various economic challenges, including rising inflation, high levels of debt, and a struggling private sector.
According to him, these factors have led to increased unemployment and a decline in the standard of living for many Ghanaians.
The President also stated that, Ghana’s Sinking Fund holds a balance of $64,000 and GHS143,000, contradicting claims by the previous Akufo-Addo administration that it left substantial reserves for debt repayment.
Speaking after President John Mahama’s address, the Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga expressed confidence in the president address saying it gives hope to Ghanaians.
On his part the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused President John Dramani Mahama of misrepresenting Ghana’s economic situation and failing to acknowledge the stability he inherited from the previous administration.
He also raised concerns about the gender composition of Mahama’s 19-member cabinet, which includes only two women overlooking experienced people like Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Helen Adjoa Ntoso.
On employment, he criticised Mahama’s disclosure that 2.2 million Ghanaians were unemployed, arguing that the administration had focused on dismissals rather than creating jobs.
In a related development, the Minority in Parliament delivered their side of what they termed as the true state of Ghana’s economy.
At a press briefing in Parliament House following President Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since assuming office on January 7, 2025, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr. Stephen Amoah quoted figures from Ghana Statistical Service data for the third quarter in 2024 Report, to support his argument that NPP administration handed over a better economy than what they inherited in 2016.
