President Mahama to Deliver State of the Nation Address Ahead of National Economic Dialogue

Accra, February 21, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament next week, ahead of the much-anticipated National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 3, 2025.

The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during a press briefing following the first Cabinet meeting of the new administration on Thursday.

Describing the SONA as a critical moment in Ghana’s political calendar, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that President Mahama would use the platform to outline the true state of the economy, what his administration inherited, and strategies for economic revival and transformation.

“He will take the opportunity to delve deep,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

Key Cabinet Briefings

During the Cabinet meeting, three major briefings were presented:

1. Security Briefing: Security chiefs declared Ghana safe, assuring the Cabinet of their preparedness to avert any potential threats.
2. 24-Hour Economy Policy: Augustus ‘Goosie’ Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Economic Development, outlined the roadmap for implementing the policy, which the government believes will boost productivity, employment, and economic growth.
3. Economic and Financial Update: The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, provided a stark assessment of Ghana’s financial health, stating that the economic situation was worse than initially expected due to what he described as mismanagement by the previous administration. However, he assured Ghanaians that the government was committed to economic recovery and stability. Dr. Forson is expected to present the administration’s first budget to Parliament on March 11, 2025.

Mahama’s 19-Member Cabinet Announced

The government also unveiled its 19-member Cabinet, which will be chaired by the President. The list includes:

• Minister for Finance: Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
• Minister for the Interior: Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka
• Minister for Health: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
• Minister for Defence: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
• Attorney General and Minister for Justice: Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
• Minister for Energy and Green Transition: John Abdulai Jinapor
• Minister for Education: Haruna Iddrisu
• Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry: Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare
• Minister for Lands and Natural Resources: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
• Minister for Foreign Affairs: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
• Minister for Food and Agriculture: Eric Opoku
• Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations: Samuel Nartey George
• Minister for Roads and Highways: Kwame Governs Agbodza
• Minister for Environment, Science and Technology: Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
• Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources: Kenneth Adjei
• Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs: Ahmed Ibrahim
• Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection: Naa Momo Lartey
• Minister for Transport: Joseph Bukari Nikpe
• Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment: Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo

The announcement sets the stage for President Mahama’s first major address since taking office, with Ghanaians eager to hear his vision for the country’s economic recovery and future growth.