By: Sarah Baafi
President John Dramani Mahama on Friday delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, outlining what he described as a “psych-defining moment” for Ghana as the country embarks on a path of renewal, restored hope and continental leadership.
Addressing lawmakers at Parliament House on February 27, the President said Ghana stands at a critical turning point shaped by “hard choices, institutional resolve, and a renewed commitment to stability and national purpose.”
“As a nation, we are on the rebound of renewal,” he declared, adding that his administration’s agenda is guided by the theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.” According to him, the theme is not ceremonial but serves as a blueprint directing government’s policies and actions.
With Ghana set to mark 69 years of independence on March 6, President Mahama reflected on the country’s journey and acknowledged the economic and governance challenges it has endured.
He stressed that the newly introduced “Resetting Ghana Agenda” is aimed at restoring economic stability, rebuilding public trust, strengthening democratic institutions and delivering tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
“It is about turning the page on years of mismanagement and confronting our challenges with honesty,” he stated, underscoring commitments to fiscal discipline, transparency and sustainable development.
Beyond domestic reforms, the President placed significant emphasis on Ghana’s continental responsibilities. He argued that Ghana’s prosperity is inseparable from Africa’s progress and called for a fundamental shift in how African nations relate to one another and the wider world.
“We cannot build lasting prosperity at home without contributing to stability and growth across our continent,” he said, advocating a move from dependence to self-reliance, from fragmentation to integration, and from reactive postures to strategic leadership.
President Mahama highlighted the need for Africa to dismantle artificial trade barriers, strengthen regional value chains and fully activate a common market that allows goods, services, capital and ideas to move freely. He maintained that no African country, regardless of its resources, can thrive in isolation within the evolving global order.
In a world he described as being in “profound flux,” the President noted that the global rule-based system often protects the interests of its architects, urging African nations to respond with unity and strategic alignment rather than hesitation or dependency.
He called on Africa to harness the immense potential of its youthful population, mobilise domestic capital to finance development, and speak with a single, coordinated voice in global affairs.
“This is how Africa can move from promise to power, from participation to leadership, and from dependence to self-reliance,” he emphasized.
Reaffirming Ghana’s sovereignty, President Mahama assured Parliament that his administration would pursue policies that place the interests of Ghanaians first while continuing constructive engagement with the international community.
“We will uphold global norms but will not outsource our judgment,” he said, pledging to build resilience at home to withstand external shocks and shifting global power dynamics.
The address marks the first SONA of President Mahama’s renewed mandate in 2026, setting the tone for what he describes as a decisive era of national reset and continental ambition.
More Stories Here
Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
