President Nana Akufo-Addo has defended his administration’s economic record in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA), stating that Ghana is on a path of revival, contrary to claims that the country is broke.
“The economy is rebounding strongly, our fiscal position is more stable, and our debt sustainability is significantly improved,” Akufo-Addo declared.
He emphasized that the country’s gross international reserves have grown to almost $8 billion, more than the $6.2 billion his administration inherited in 2017.
“We are handing over the country with gross international reserves of almost $8 billion. This is more than the 6.2 billion USD of international reserves my administration inherited in 2017,” he stated, signaling economic growth under his leadership despite the challenges.
The President took aim at detractors, asserting that the country is not “broke” as some critics claim.
“The country is not broke, as some propaganda wants us to believe,” Akufo-Addo said, stressing that the solid economic foundation laid during his tenure will drive sustained growth.
He further assured that the sacrifices made by bondholders and other stakeholders would not be in vain.
“The developments provided a solid foundation for sustained growth and development, ensuring that the sacrifices made by bond holders and other stakeholders will not be in vain but rather a basis of Ghana’s revival.”
President Akufo-Addo also took the opportunity to reflect on his tenure’s contributions to national security, noting that “Ghana, by the grace of God, remains the only country that has not fallen victim to terrorist violence.”
He expressed deep gratitude for the work of Ghana’s security services, saying, “I want to pay great homage to the security service and their ministerial leaders for the work they do every day to keep us safe.”
While he praised the nation’s security achievements, he acknowledged the unresolved Bawku conflict, stating, “It is a matter of great regret and distress to me personally that despite our efforts, the Bawku conflict remains unresolved.”
The final State of the Nation Address (SONA) was attended by several key figures, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, President-elect John Dramani Mahama, former President John Agyekum Kufour, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and Second Lady Samira Bawumia.
Also present were religious and traditional leaders, along with Chief of Staff Frema Osei-Opare and former First Lady Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.
