President John Dramani Mahama will today, Friday, February 27, deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, outlining the government’s performance over the past year and setting policy priorities for the months ahead.
The address, in line with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, is the second since his return to office and is expected to provide a broad assessment of Ghana’s economic and social landscape. Lawmakers, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders are anticipated to attend the sitting.
Coming a year after he presented what he described as a “reset” agenda to confront high inflation, currency instability and mounting public debt, President Mahama is expected to use this year’s address to account for progress made under his administration.
Recent macroeconomic data show significant shifts since his first address in 2025. Inflation, which stood at 23.8 per cent in December 2024, declined sharply to 5.4 per cent by the end of 2025.
The Ghana cedi also recorded its first annual appreciation against the US dollar in over three decades, creating room for the Bank of Ghana to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate substantially. Despite these gains, the cost of living remains a concern for many households, an issue the President is likely to address.
Beyond the economy, the speech is expected to cover developments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, energy and security, as well as updates on the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy and the newly established authority to oversee its implementation.
Ahead of the address, several policy think tanks, including IMANI Africa has outlined what it describes as priority areas requiring clear updates and measurable results. In a statement, the organisation noted that many of the initiatives announced in 2025 are still at early stages and called for concrete timelines and accountability.
“While efforts have been made to stabilise the macroeconomy and reduce inflation, many of the initiatives announced last year are still in their early stages,” IMANI Africa stated. “We expect the President to provide concrete updates on progress and timelines for implementation.”
The group highlighted commitments in the energy sector, including plans to clear legacy debts, establish a single revenue collection account and promote renewable energy financing.
In agriculture, it pointed to promises to reduce poultry imports, roll out the AgriNext programme targeting youth participation, and develop farmer service centres.
IMANI also flagged expectations in education and health, such as ICT integration in basic schools, the establishment of ICT Centres of Excellence, a new sign language curriculum, teacher incentive packages and completion of Agenda 111 hospitals through public-private partnerships.
Other areas of interest include anti-corruption efforts, particularly prosecutions linked to the NSS scandal; employment initiatives such as the Adwumawura programme and support schemes for small businesses; and major road and housing projects, including the reintroduction of tolls using modern technology and expansion of affordable housing.
“Transparency and follow-through on these pledges are crucial,” the think tank noted. “Ghanaians want to see results, not just announcements.”
As President Mahama takes the floor in Parliament, expectations are high that the 2026 SONA will not only recount achievements but also provide a clear roadmap with defined targets for the year ahead.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
