President John Dramani Mahama will deliver his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025, marking a critical moment for his administration as it seeks to define its priorities and address mounting public concerns.
The speech, a constitutional requirement for Ghanaian leaders, comes seven weeks after Mahama’s swearing-in on January 7, and is expected to set the tone for his government’s agenda amid pressing national challenges.
Analysts anticipate the address will focus on three key issues: the escalating crisis of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), recurrent chieftaincy conflicts, and Ghana’s fragile economic recovery. During the 2024 election campaign, Mahama’s pledges to curb galamsey—a practice blamed for environmental degradation and health hazards—resonated widely, particularly in rural communities. However, recent clashes over mining sites and stalled enforcement efforts have left many questioning the government’s resolve.
Equally urgent is the need to address deadly chieftaincy disputes, which have flared in regions like Bawku and Techiman, claiming lives and displacing hundreds. Observers argue these conflicts, often rooted in historical grievances and resource competition, threaten national cohesion and require a blend of traditional diplomacy and modern policy interventions.
On the economic front, Mahama faces pressure to stabilize a nation still grappling with inflation, currency volatility, and debt restructuring. While his administration has hinted at “difficult but necessary reforms,” critics urge transparency on timelines and social safety nets to cushion vulnerable populations. The Finance Minister’s upcoming budget presentation on March 11 will likely amplify these themes, with plans to scrap controversial taxes—including the e-levy and COVID-19 levy—and reintroduce road tolls, a move criticized in the past for worsening traffic but now framed as a revenue priority.
Political commentator Kwame Asare notes, “This speech isn’t just a checklist. Ghanaians want clarity, not just promises. Can Mahama balance austerity with empathy? Will his mining policies prioritize people over profits? His credibility hangs on these answers.”
The address also serves as a reset opportunity for Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2016. His return to office, following a narrow 2024 victory, reflects lingering public frustration with economic stagnation. Yet, skepticism persists, particularly among youth and civil society groups demanding faster action on unemployment and corruption.
As February 27 approaches, all eyes are on Parliament. Mahama’s ability to blend sober assessment with actionable plans could determine whether his administration rallies national unity or deepens the trust deficit. For a nation at a crossroads, the stakes have never been higher.
