John Dramani Mahama Delivers 2026 State of the Nation Address, Pledges Economic Recovery and National Renewal
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 23/2/2026
Accra, Ghana — President John Dramani Mahama on Friday delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, outlining his administration’s achievements over the past year and presenting a roadmap aimed at stabilizing Ghana’s economy, restoring public confidence, and rebuilding key national institutions.
Speaking before Members of Parliament, government officials, traditional leaders and the diplomatic corps at the Parliament of Ghana, the President described the state of the nation as “challenging but improving,” following what he called years of economic strain and weakened public services.
Economy Showing Signs of Recovery
President Mahama told lawmakers that Ghana is gradually emerging from economic distress, citing improvements in macroeconomic stability, inflation control, and investor confidence. He said government reforms in fiscal discipline and public spending are beginning to yield results.
According to the President, over one million jobs were created in 2025 across agriculture, construction, services and manufacturing, while hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians were lifted out of multidimensional poverty through targeted social and economic interventions.
He rejected claims that recent gains in the cedi were artificial, stressing that the currency’s performance was the result of deliberate economic restructuring rather than short-term controls.
Energy and Industrial Revival
A major highlight of the address was the announcement that the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has resumed operations after years of inactivity. President Mahama said the revival of TOR will reduce fuel imports, stabilise energy supply, and support local industry.
He also assured Ghanaians that steps are being taken to prevent power shortages, with ongoing investments in generation capacity, grid stability and maintenance.
Anti-Corruption Measures and Governance Reforms
On accountability, the President disclosed that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered hundreds of millions of cedis in misappropriated state funds over the past year. He announced plans to submit new legislation to tighten procurement rules and significantly limit the use of sole-source contracts.
“These reforms are necessary to restore trust in public administration and ensure value for money,” he said.
Call for Unity and Shared Responsibility
Beyond policy, President Mahama used the address to call for national unity, urging political leaders, civil society and citizens to put Ghana’s interests above partisan divisions.
“No government can succeed without the collective resolve of its people,” he said, adding that national development requires shared sacrifice, discipline and cooperation.
Looking Ahead
The President concluded by outlining priorities for 2026, including job creation, cocoa sector reforms, youth skills development, infrastructure expansion, and improvements in healthcare and education delivery.
The State of the Nation Address is a constitutional requirement under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, providing an opportunity for the President to report on the country’s condition and set the tone for the year ahead.
As reactions continue to pour in from political parties, economists and civil society groups, the address is expected to shape national debate around Ghana’s recovery path and governance direction in the months to come.
