…glimpses of Akufo Addo/Bawumiah’s rotten legacy to pop up, as President expected to speak Frankly
President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to deliver his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in Parliament on Today, February 27, 2025, marking his return to office.
The SoNA presentation is a constitutional obligation prescribed by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the President to provide an assessment of the nation’s status at the commencement of each parliamentary session and prior to dissolution.
Anticipated themes in the President’s speech include a comprehensive evaluation of Ghana’s prevailing economic conditions, an examination of the Akufo-Addo administration’s legacy, and an outline of the government’s strategy for economic revitalization.
Following today’s address, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is slated to present the President’s maiden budget on March 11, following the National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 3-4, 2025.
With concerns raised by the current administration regarding substantial debts across various ministries, departments, and agencies, expectations are high for President Mahama to provide a candid account of the challenges observed in recent months.
Outstanding financial obligations, notably in the Roads and Highways Ministry and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), are among the key issues facing the government, which has prompted discussions on potential tariff adjustments recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
While commitments to initiate flagship programs such as the 24-hour economy, National Women’s Bank, and Free First Year University Education have been made by the government, questions regarding financing mechanisms have emerged in light of proposed tax reforms and fiscal adjustments.
During recent engagements with Organized Labour, President Mahama acknowledged the severity of the economic situation, characterizing it as criminally mismanaged and emphasizing the imperative of rectifying the state of affairs.
Conversely, the opposition National Patriotic Party (NPP) has contested the President’s interpretation of the economic landscape, citing divergent perspectives on fiscal health and growth trajectories.
Security concerns surrounding chieftaincy conflicts, particularly in areas like Bawku, remain a focal point for ongoing assessments of the nation’s stability, presenting challenges that demand sustained attention and resolution efforts.
As the nation awaits the insights to be shared in today’s SoNA, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the NPP have underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the government’s appraisal of inherited challenges, emphasizing the need for forthright discussions on critical issues such as employment, the economy, and energy stability.
President Mahama is poised to address these pressing matters with clarity and integrity as he embarks on his second term in office, providing a comprehensive overview of Ghana’s present circumstances and future trajectories.