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President John Dramani Mahama will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) for his second term in office on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in line with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution. This constitutional provision requires the president to present a report on the state of the nation to Parliament at the start of each session and before its dissolution. President Mahama is anticipated to cover several critical topics, including the IMF bailout program, national security, the cost of living, and his administration’s plans to address Ghana’s economic challenges. Below are seven key issues he is likely to highlight:
1. State of the Economy
President Mahama is expected to provide a detailed assessment of the economy he inherited from the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration. He has previously stated that the financial situation was worse than initially anticipated. During his address, he is likely to present comparative data on the state of the economy when he left office in 2017 and its current condition, emphasizing the challenges his government faces in stabilizing it.
2. Galamsey (Illegal Mining)
The fight against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, will likely feature prominently in the address. President Mahama’s administration has already taken steps to curb the activities of illegal miners, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies. He is expected to criticize the previous government for allowing the problem to escalate, resulting in significant environmental damage. His Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has revealed that galamsey has destroyed an area equivalent to approximately 750,000 football fields of forest reserves.
3. Agenda 111 Hospital Project
President Mahama is expected to provide an update on the status of the Agenda 111 hospital project, initiated by the Akufo-Addo government. He will likely clarify how many hospitals were completed by the previous administration and outline the financial requirements to complete the remaining facilities. While Mahama has claimed that only one hospital was completed and 1.7 billion is needed to finish the rest, supporters of the previous administration have disputed this, asserting that three hospitals were completed. The remaining cost is 1.7 billion is needed to finish the rest. Supporters of the previous administration have disputed this, asserting that three hospitals were completed and the remaining cost is 1.4 billion.
4. Fight Against Corruption
The president is anticipated to address allegations of corruption under the previous government. At a recent meeting with Organized Labour, Mahama described the economy as a “crime scene,” accusing the Akufo-Addo administration of mismanaging it. Additionally, the preparatory committee for “Operation Recover All the Loot” (ORAL), which investigated alleged misappropriation of state resources, has submitted its report to the president. Mahama may reveal some findings from this report during his address.
5. Dropping of Cases Against Former Appointees
President Mahama has faced criticism over the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, dropping cases against former appointees from his first administration. These individuals had been investigated by the Akufo-Addo government. Mahama is expected to address these concerns and explain the rationale behind Dr. Ayine’s decisions.
6. Free SHS and Trainee Allowances
The president is likely to reaffirm his commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. He may also provide updates on the National Education Forum, which is evaluating the sustainability of the Free SHS policy and the long-term viability of allowances for nursing and teacher trainees.
7. 120-Day Social Contract with Ghanaians
President Mahama is expected to report on the progress of the 120-Day Social Contract he pledged to fulfill at the start of his administration. This contract includes 26 policies, programs, and actions, such as appointing his government, holding the National Economic Dialogue, and abolishing the E-Levy, COVID-19 Levy, and betting tax. While some commitments have been met, several key promises remain unfulfilled, and the president is likely to address these during his speech.
In summary, President Mahama’s 2025 SONA will likely focus on economic recovery, environmental protection, healthcare, anti-corruption efforts, and the fulfillment of his administration’s early promises to Ghanaians.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
