By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for Ghanaian News Canada
Accra — On January 1, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama delivered a widely anticipated New Year message to the nation, setting an optimistic yet purposeful tone for the year ahead. In a nationally broadcast address, the President outlined achievements, reaffirmed his government’s priorities, and appealed for unity and collective effort in building a stronger Ghana.
A Year of Hope, Renewal and Progress
President Mahama began by reflecting on the progress Ghana has made since the launch of his “Reset Agenda,” a comprehensive strategy aimed at reviving the economy, strengthening governance, and promoting social cohesion. He emphasized that the gains of 2025 including improved economic stability, reduced inflation and increased investor confidence serve as a foundation for accelerated development in 2026.
“We are one people with a shared destiny,” Mahama stated, urging all Ghanaian to embrace a collective vision for progress. His message underscored that the Reset Agenda is not limited to any single group or political affiliation, but to every Ghanaian, regardless of how they voted.
National Priorities for 2026
In outlining his government’s roadway, the President highlighted several key areas:
Education: Continued digitalisation and investment to ensure every child has access to quality learning tools. Healthcare: Operationalizing Universal Health Coverage under the Free Primary Health Care Programmed so that no Ghanaian is denied care due to inability to pay.
Agriculture and Food Security: Transitioning from subsistence farming to a commercially vibrant agricultural sector through mechanization, value addition and improved market access.
Energy and Environment: Expanding renewable energy to comprise 30% of Ghana’s energy mix to cut energy costs and protect the environment. Anti-Corruption: A firm commitment to intensify the fight against corruption with “no sacred cows.”
Constitutional and Governance Reforms: Implementing key recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee to bolster democratic institutions.
A Message of Unity Over Division
A central theme of Mahama’s address was national unity. He urged citizens to put aside partisan politics and focus on shared goals. “There is no NPP Ghana. There is no CPP Ghana or NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana,” he said, emphasizing that political division distracts from urgent national challenges.
The President appealed to all sectors of society youth, entrepreneurs, civil society, traditional leaders and public servants — to commit themselves to nation-building with integrity and purpose.
Diaspora Engagement: Ghana’s Global Ambassadors
Importantly for Ghanaians abroad, President Mahama dedicated a portion of his message to the diaspora community. He described members of the diaspora as “Ghana’s global ambassadors,” acknowledging the valuable role they play in representing the country’s image, culture and economic interests around the world. Mahama encouraged Ghanaians living overseas to remain engaged in national development and to bring their skills, resources and networks home wherever possible. He framed this engagement not just as symbolic, but as essential to Ghana’s progress highlighting that diaspora contributions can help accelerate innovation, investment and social impact back home.
Although he did not focus on specific diaspora events like the recent Diaspora Summit in 2025, his message reaffirmed the administration’s appreciation for the diaspora and its potential to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
President Mahama closed his message with warm wishes for prosperity, peace and progress in 2026. He implored citizens to work together with confidence and faith — in Ghana, in one another, and in the nation’s bright future.
As the year unfolds, his call-to-action uniting Ghanaians at home and abroad behind a shared agenda of transformation — sets the stage for what he hopes will be a defining year in Ghana’s journey towards inclusive growth and stability.
