Ghana's president says 'sustainable' foundation laid for long-term development
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday marked the first year of his second term with a declaration that his government has laid a sustainable foundation for the West African country's long-term development after a year of difficult but necessary decisions and reforms.
He described the period as one marked by tough choices aimed at stabilising the country.
“As we look back on the past years, we do so honestly. We have taken difficult decisions, we have made difficult reforms. We have laid foundations which may not be visible, but are sustainable for the sustainable progress of our country,” President Mahama said at a non-denominational Thanksgiving Service in Accra.
The local media quoted him as saying that his government’s focus over the past year had been on restoring economic stability and rebuilding confidence both locally and internationally.
“We have prioritised economic stabilisation, institutional reforms, social protection and the restoration of confidence, both within our country and also in the international community,” he added.
President Mahama said the thanksgiving service provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far and to express gratitude for the resilience of Ghanaians as the country continues its journey toward sustained growth and development.
He called on Ghanaians to embrace unity, integrity, and service above self, emphasising that the government’s progress is measured not only in statistics but in restored hope and trust.
President Mahama said the milestone should be viewed as a moment for recommitment to governance anchored in competence, compassion, and inclusivity.
“The work we have begun is far from finished, but today reminds us that progress is not measured only by numbers and by charts and diagrams. It is also measured by hope that is restored, by trust that is rebuilt, and correct direction that is regained.
“And so today we recommit to ethical leadership. We recommit ourselves to service above self. We recommit ourselves to governance anchored in integrity, competence, and compassion. We recommit ourselves to listening, especially to the voices of our vulnerable, our youth, and those who feel excluded,” he added.
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of national unity as a cornerstone of effective governance, noting that the strength of leadership comes from the ability to rise above differences and work together for the common good.
He told the people that the year ahead will demand even more from them. "It will test our resolve, our patience, and our discipline. But it will also offer us opportunities to deepen the reforms we have started, to accelerate our growth, and ensure that development and progress touch every part of our country.”
President Mahama returned to power after winning a major victory in 2024.
The ministry of finance has said GDP expanded by 6.1 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, up from 5.7 percent over the same period in 2024 — the fastest growth since 2019.
Non-oil GDP growth surged to 7.5 percent, reflecting broad-based expansion in the real economy where most jobs are created.
Headline inflation has reduced from 23.8 percent in December 2024 to 6.3 percent by November 2025, the lowest since February 2019, with food inflation falling by 21.2 percentage points to 6.6 percent while non-food inflation eased by 14.2 points to 6.1 percent.
It said for the first time in many years, the local currency, the cedi, recorded 40.7 percent against the US dollar and 30.9 percent against the pound sterling.
Trade balance posted a surplus of US$8.5 billion by end-October 2025, up from US$2.8 billion a year earlier while current account surplus widened to US$3.8 billion in the first three quarters, from US$0.6 billion in 2024.
-0- PANA MA 7Jan2026
