President John Dramani Mahama during his address on Thursday, January 1, 2026
President John Dramani Mahama delivered a New Year’s message to the people of Ghana on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
In his address, the president touted the achievements of his one-year-old government, citing the state of the country he inherited and the successes thus far.
He, however, noted the achievement of this government in 2025 was a foundation for what is yet to come.
“My dear compatriots, 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,” he said.
The president went on to “vision” for the year 2026 as follows:
“In 2026, we shall accelerate and expand.
Every child deserves a world-class education. We will continue digitalising our schools and ensure every classroom has the tools for 21st-century learning.
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. Through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, we will stretch a hand of support to our people suffering from non-communicable diseases.
We shall make Ghana food self-sufficient and transform agriculture from subsistence to a thriving commercial enterprise through mechanisation, value addition, and market access. We are working to achieve a 30% share of renewable energy in our national energy mix, reducing costs and protecting the environment.
We shall deliver social housing units through public-private partnerships.
We shall intensify the fight against corruption with no sacred cows. Every cedi belongs to the people and must be accounted for.
We will implement the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee to make our 1992 Constitution an even greater guide for the consolidation of our democracy.”
LIVESTREAMING: President Mahama delivers New Year Message to Ghanaians
The President went on to call on every Ghanaian to support the government in its efforts to build the nation, saying:
“Ladies and gentlemen, governments do not build nations alone. They do that with the citizenry. As we enter 2026, I call upon each one of you:
Our young people: You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today. Take ownership of this Reset Agenda. Innovate. Create and Build. Ghana needs you64844661r energy, your ideas, your commitment.
To our entrepreneurs and business leaders: Invest in Ghana. Build businesses that create jobs and wealth for yourselves and for the economy. I pledge to maintain a conducive environment for your businesses to thrive; your commitment must be to seize the opportunities that we create.
To our civil society, media, and watchdog institutions: Continue to hold us accountable. A vibrant democracy needs your critical voice. We may not always agree, but we shall always respect the role you play in strengthening our nation.
To our traditional leaders and faith-based communities: You are the custodians of our values and the anchors of our communities. Help us build social cohesion and national unity. Help us nurture the moral fabric that holds our society together.
To the public servants: Yours is a noble calling. Serve with integrity, efficiency, and dedication. The people’s trust in government depends on your daily conduct.
And to our diaspora community: You are Ghana’s global ambassadors. Continue to make us proud. When you can, bring your skills, resources, and networks back home. Ghana needs you.
We are one people with a shared destiny. Whether you voted for me or not, whether you supported the NDC or not, we are all Ghanaians, and this reset is for all of us. There is no NPP Ghana. There is no CPP Ghana or NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana. The one our forebears fought for and shed their blood to give us our freedom.”
Read his full speech below:
BAI
Meanwhile, watch as Acting Defence Minister Ato Forson inaugurates 9-Member Ministerial Advisory Board
