Mahama's Explosive New Year Vision: Ghana's Bold Reset for 2026

Published 16 hours ago4 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Mahama's Explosive New Year Vision: Ghana's Bold Reset for 2026

On January 1, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama delivered his New Year's message to the nation from Jubilee House, outlining Ghana's transition into a new phase of accelerated growth and expansion. This optimistic outlook follows a year of robust but essential economic reforms in 2025, which, according to the President, laid a strong economic foundation for the country.

President Mahama highlighted significant progress in stabilizing key macroeconomic indicators, which he noted were essential after years of economic strain. Inflation, which had been distressingly high at 23 percent and above at the close of 2024, has been considerably reduced, with the government confidently expecting to conclude 2025 with single-digit inflation, projected to be just over five percent. Furthermore, Ghana has achieved relative currency stability and is on course to be recognized among the world’s top-performing currencies by 2025. These achievements, attributed to disciplined fiscal and monetary coordination, have revived business confidence, leading to a noticeable surge in both domestic and foreign direct investment and generating new opportunities for young Ghanaians through accelerated economic growth.

On the international front, Ghana has successfully restored its credibility with global partners, notably through the renegotiation of its debt obligations. President Mahama emphasized that these renegotiations were conducted on terms that safeguard Ghana’s sovereignty while ensuring long-term debt sustainability. Ghana has also begun the process of exiting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, a move the President stated is being executed “with dignity, not as supplicants, but as partners.”

The President also introduced Ghana’s “world-acclaimed Reset Agenda,” describing it as a transformative initiative that is reshaping governance both domestically and globally. Internally, the Reset Agenda is fostering a resurgence of faith in the nation’s democratic institutions, delivering a more streamlined and efficient administration, enhancing governmental accountability, and reinvigorating the fight against corruption. On the global stage, President Mahama leveraged Ghana’s participation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to present the “Accra Reset Initiative.” This comprehensive framework aims for the sustainable transformation of global governance, tackling inequalities, underrepresentation, and structural imbalances in global decision-making, thereby creating greater opportunities for Africa and other nations in the Global South. Ghana, under his leadership, is committed to championing this agenda alongside other world leaders, solidifying its position as a voice for reform and inclusive global progress.

Looking ahead to 2026, President Mahama outlined an ambitious social and economic agenda focused on inclusive development and social protection, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind. Key reforms are planned across various sectors: In education, efforts will focus on further digitalization of schools and equipping classrooms with 21st-century learning tools. Healthcare will see the operationalization of Universal Health Coverage through a Free Primary Health Care Programme, aiming to eliminate financial barriers to basic medical services, complemented by the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for non-communicable diseases. For agriculture, the administration is committed to transforming it from subsistence farming into a commercially viable sector through mechanization, value addition, and improved market access, ensuring Ghana's food self-sufficiency. In the energy sector, the government targets a 30 percent share of renewable energy in the national mix. To address the housing deficit, particularly in urban areas, social housing units will be delivered through public-private partnerships. Regarding governance and accountability, the President pledged an intensified fight against corruption, asserting that “every cedi belongs to the people and must be accounted for.” He also announced plans to implement recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee to strengthen Ghana’s democratic framework.

President Mahama also addressed the pervasive political divisions within the country, stressing that “there is no NPP Ghana. There is no CPP Ghana or NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana.” He called upon citizens to reject divisive politics, embrace nation-building patriotism, and engage in constructive dialogue, disagreeing without being disagreeable. He further extended an invitation to Ghana’s global diaspora, recognizing them as “global ambassadors” whose skills, resources, and networks are vital for national development. As 2026 unfolds, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to remain united and committed, emphasizing that sustained growth depends on collective contribution and trust in public institutions. He expressed confidence that the outlined policies for the year would translate into tangible improvements in living standards and a renewed sense of national purpose.

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