President John Mahama has dismissed claims that he misrepresented Ghana’s economic situation in his maiden State of the Nation Address, insisting that he presented the facts as they are.
His remarks come in response to criticism from the Minority in Parliament and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who accused him of downplaying the state of the economy he inherited.
However, speaking during a worship service in Accra, President Mahama reaffirmed that his address was an honest reflection of the nation’s challenges and outlined his administration’s commitment to restoring stability and growth.
Addressing the congregation, President Mahama emphasized the importance of leadership that aligns with the aspirations of the people.
“Yesterday, I had the honour of addressing the nation in my first State of the Nation Address before Parliament. And as I promised during the campaign, I was as truthful as possible to the people of Ghana about the state of the economy and the nation,” he stated.
He further noted that while the economic challenges are daunting, his administration remains focused on solutions rather than blame.
“It was necessary for me to lay bare the extent to which our economy has been mismanaged. But let me be clear, my purpose is not to dwell on past failures. I was not there to lament about the dire situation that I have inherited. Yes, the challenges are enormous, but by the grace of God and with His guidance, together with my team, I assure you, we will fix it,” Mahama assured.
Outlining his administration’s immediate priorities, the president highlighted steps aimed at stabilizing the economy and restoring investor confidence.
“Our immediate priority is to stabilize the economy and restore confidence in Ghana. We will work to stabilize our currency, bring down interest rates, reduce inflation, cut the deficit, and improve the primary balance,” he noted.
He added that his government has already begun implementing strategic measures, including reducing wasteful government expenditure and strengthening financial management. Beyond stabilization, he stressed the need to create jobs, particularly for young people, to drive sustainable economic growth.
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to support the government’s efforts, emphasizing that overcoming economic difficulties requires collective effort.
“With determination, hard work, and the right policies, we will turn things around. Ghana’s future is bright, and we will overcome these challenges together,” he concluded.
