President John Dramani Mahama has outlined an ambitious roadmap for Ghana in 2026, declaring that the gains made over the past year represent only the foundation for a far-reaching national transformation, signaling a shift from economic stabilization to the full-scale rollout of reforms aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy and social systems.
In his New Year Message to the Nation on January 1, 2026, President Mahama said the progress made over the past year represents only the foundation of his administration’s broader Reset Agenda.
“As satisfying as our achievements of 2025 are, they are but the foundation. The architecture of the Ghana we want must now be built on this foundation,” the President said.
Reflecting on his first year in office, President Mahama described 2025 as a period of rebuilding confidence after inheriting what he termed “a nation in distress.”
“One year ago, we inherited a nation in distress. An economy on its knees, unemployment crushing our youth, infrastructure crumbling, public trust eroded, and hope dimming in the eyes of our people,” he said, adding that Ghana is now “rising again.”
He noted that inflation, which stood above 23 per cent at the end of 2024, has been significantly reduced, with government hopeful of ending 2025 with single-digit inflation just above five per cent. According to him, Ghana has also achieved relative currency stability, restored investor confidence and regained credibility with international partners.
“We have restored Ghana’s credibility with international partners and are beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity, not as supplicants, but as partners,” President Mahama stated.
Turning to the year ahead, the President announced that 2026 will focus on accelerating reforms across education, health, agriculture, energy, housing and governance.
“In 2026, we shall accelerate and expand,” he declared.
On education, President Mahama pledged to intensify efforts to deliver world-class learning for every child.
“Every child deserves a world-class education. We will continue digitalising our schools and ensure every classroom has the tools for 21st-century learning,” he said.
In the health sector, the President said the government will operationalize Universal Health Coverage through a Free Primary Health Care Programme.
“We shall operationalise Universal Health Coverage through the Free Primary Health Care Programme, ensuring that no Ghanaian is denied care due to inability to pay,” he said, adding that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund will support citizens suffering from non-communicable diseases.
Agriculture remains central to Ghana’s development strategy, President Mahama said, outlining plans to achieve food self-sufficiency by transforming farming into a commercially viable sector.
“We shall make Ghana food self-sufficient and transform agriculture from subsistence to a thriving commercial enterprise through mechanisation, value addition, and market access,” he noted.
On energy, the President disclosed plans to increase renewable energy’s share in the national energy mix.
“We are working to achieve a 30 per cent share of renewable energy in our national energy mix, reducing costs and protecting the environment,” he said.
He also announced plans to deliver social housing through public-private partnerships to address the country’s housing deficit.
Governance and accountability featured prominently in the address, with President Mahama reiterating his administration’s resolve to fight corruption.
“We shall intensify the fight against corruption with no sacred cows. Every cedi belongs to the people and must be accounted for,” he stressed.
As part of institutional reforms, he said the government will implement the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee to strengthen the 1992 Constitution and consolidate Ghana’s democratic gains.
President Mahama emphasised that national development requires collective effort, calling on young people, businesses, civil society, traditional leaders, public servants and the diaspora to play active roles in national rebuilding.
“Our young people, you are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today. Take ownership of this Reset Agenda. Innovate. Create. Build,” he urged.
In a strong appeal for unity, the President rejected partisan divisions, insisting that Ghana’s progress depends on national cohesion.
“There is no NPP Ghana. There is no NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana,” he said, calling on citizens to reject divisive politics and embrace nation-building.
Looking ahead, President Mahama expressed confidence in Ghana’s future, describing his vision of a country where opportunity is widely shared and integrity is rewarded.
“This is not wishful thinking. This is the Ghana we are building together, and this is the Ghana that is within our reach,” he said.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to enter 2026 with renewed determination and faith.
“As we enter 2026, let us work harder, dream bigger, and achieve even greater things,” President Mahama said.
