20 key highlights from President Akufo-Addo's final State of the Nation Address
In his final State of the Nation Address, delivered on January 3, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reflected on his eight-year tenure, highlighting significant achievements, challenges, and his vision for Ghana’s future.
Below are 20 notable points from his speech:
1. Honour of Service: President Akufo-Addo described serving as President as “the greatest honour of my life,” reflecting on a term filled with challenges and triumphs. "My vision has always been to see a Ghana that is self-reliant, prosperous and united," he said.
2. National Security: He praised Ghana’s security forces for ensuring the country’s territorial integrity, noting, “Ghana, by the grace of God, remains the only country in the neighbourhood that has not fallen victim to terrorist violence.”
3. Chieftaincy Issues: While highlighting the resolution of the Dagbon crisis as a major success, he expressed regret over unresolved conflicts in Bawku, calling for strengthened capacities for the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
“The resolution of the Dagbon crisis remains one of my proudest achievements. However, I deeply regret the ongoing conflict in Bawku, which requires greater attention from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs,” he said.
4. Galamsey Fight: The President reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal mining, stating, “I was prepared to put my presidency on the line in the defence of our lands and water bodies.”
5. Gold Production and Refinement: Ghana became Africa’s leading gold producer under his tenure. He noted, “We overtook South Africa as the leading producer of gold on the continent,” and mentioned advancements in refining and adding value to minerals.
6. Free SHS and TVET: President Akufo-Addo called the Free SHS and Free TVET policies “transformational,” adding that it had enabled 5.7 million young Ghanaians to access secondary education.
7. STEM and Infrastructure: He highlighted the development of 20 STEM centres, 10 model STEM Senior High Schools, and 186 new science laboratories nationwide. “We have constructed 20 STEM centres, 10 model STEM Senior High Schools, and 186 new science laboratories nationwide to drive innovation,” he said.
8. COVID-19 Response: Ghana managed the pandemic with a balanced approach, securing vaccines early and establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility. “We managed the pandemic to the admiration of the whole world,” he stated.
9. Agenda 111 Hospitals: The government initiated 101 district hospitals under Agenda 111. While only three have been completed, he urged the incoming administration to continue the project. “Under Agenda 111, we initiated 101 district hospitals. Although only three are complete, I urge the incoming administration to prioritise this project,” he stated.
10. Economic Recovery: President Akufo-Addo declared, “The crisis is over, and the economy has recovered strongly and faster than projected,” citing a GDP growth rate of 7.2 percent in the third quarter of 2024.
11. Debt Restructuring: He described the domestic debt restructuring as painful but necessary, emphasising its role in stabilising the economy. He stated: “The domestic debt restructuring was painful but necessary to stabilise the economy and ensure long-term growth.”
12. Energy Sector Transformation: The President celebrated the end of “dumsor” and stabilisation of energy sector debt. “I leave office in 2025 with the lights on,” he stated.
13. Infrastructure Development: He said more than 12,000 kilometres of roads and numerous interchanges were constructed. He called it the most extensive road development in Ghana’s history. “With over 12,000 kilometres of roads and numerous interchanges, this has been the most extensive road development in Ghana’s history.”
14. Youth Empowerment: President Akufo-Addo said initiatives such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP) and the Ghana Enterprises Agency have supported 1.6 million Ghanaians and created over 100,000 jobs.
15. Agriculture and Cocoa: Under his tenure, maize production increased by 110 percent, and the Living Income Differential policy secured fairer prices for cocoa farmers. President Akufo-Addo said: “Maize production increased by 110%, and the Living Income Differential policy secured fairer prices for our cocoa farmers.”
16. Maritime Advancements: The Takoradi Harbour was transformed into a world-class facility, with the President commissioning an Oil and Gas Services Terminal in 2024. “The Takoradi Harbour has been transformed into a world-class facility, with the commissioning of an Oil and Gas Services Terminal last year.”
17. Digital Transformation: Initiatives like the Ghana Card and mobile money interoperability positioned Ghana as a leader in digital transformation on the continent. He said: “The Ghana Card, mobile money interoperability, and other digital innovations have made Ghana a leader in digital transformation on the continent.”
18. Tourism: He said the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives attracted over 1.5 million visitors, boosting Ghana’s economy and strengthening ties with the diaspora.
19. Anti-Corruption Efforts: The President highlighted the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and significant legislative reforms, noting, “Our actions ensured that not a single depositor lost their money.”
20. Legacy: Reflecting on his presidency, he said, “I leave behind a Ghana that is safe, secure, united and firmly rooted in her attachment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.”
President Akufo-Addo concluded by congratulating President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory, expressing gratitude for his time in office, and voicing optimism about Ghana’s future: “Together, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories and laid the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future.”