FULL TEXT: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final New Year message

Fellow Ghanaians, 

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I come to you with a heart filled with gratitude and optimism.  

Tonight, families across the nation are united in celebration, looking forward with hope and faith to the promise of 2025.  

It is a moment to give thanks to Almighty God for the journey we have traveled together and to renew our collective commitment to the brighter future we all seek for Ghana.  

This New Year's message is deeply personal to me, as it is my last as your President. Serving you has been the greatest honour of my life. I stand before you not just as a leader, but as a fellow Ghanaian.  

I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me and inspired by the resilience and fortitude I have seen in each of you. Together, we have walked a journey of transformation, and it is a journey I will always cherish.  

In the years I have been privileged to lead, we have worked tirelessly to lay a foundation for a Ghana that is strong, united, and free.  

The Free Senior High School Policy has given hope to millions of young Ghanaians and their families. We have seen our healthcare systems strengthened, our roads expanded, our industries fortified, our agriculture revitalized, and our digital landscape transformed.  

Additionally, our economy is rebounding impressively, as demonstrated by the remarkable 7.2% growth achieved in the third quarter of 2024, with the year's growth rate projected at 6.8%.  

These achievements are not just numbers or statistics; they are stories of lives changed and futures made brighter.  

But I also acknowledge the challenges we have faced. The road has not always been smooth, and there have been times of difficulty and sacrifice. Yet through it all, the indomitable Ghanaian spirit has prevailed.  

The post-COVID-19 years have tested us to our limit, but they've also reminded us of who we are—a people who rise together, no matter the odds.  

As we step into 2025, I encourage us all to hold on to the hope that has carried us this far. This is a time for new dreams and renewed commitment.  

Let us embrace the opportunities that lie before us, driven by the belief that our best days are still ahead. Ghana's story is not about our leaders; it's about our people. Each of us has a role to play in building the nation we envision.  

To the youth of Ghana, you are the heartbeat of our future. Your energy, creativity, and dreams are what will drive this nation forward. Do not let fear hold you back. Dream big. Work hard. And know that the future is yours to shape.  

To our farmers, teachers, health workers, traders, businesspersons, and public officers who keep our nation moving, I say thank you. You are the backbone of our society, and your contributions make Ghana what she is.  

Let us continue to support one another and build a country that works for everyone.  

Some three weeks ago, our nation once again stood tall in Africa and the world with the peaceful election of a new president and new members of parliament, reaffirming our status as a beacon of democracy and manifesting the enduring will of our people.  

I have congratulated them and wished them well and God's blessings in the discharge of the mandate of their high offices. Nonetheless, let us vow never to revisit the history of the unprovoked post-electoral violence that nearly marred this election.  

The pursuit of power should never be synonymous with violence. It must always reflect a solemn commitment to serve the people.  

As it is often said, true power lies not in the capacity to dominate, but in the ability to uplift and unite. Let this be our guiding principle as we move forward, ensuring that peace and democracy remain the bedrock of our nation.  

As I prepare to pass on the baton of leadership, I do so hopeful in what lies ahead. Ghana is destined for greatness, and I believe in the strength of her people to achieve it.  

The foundation we have built together over the last eight years is one that will continue to grow, and I look forward to watching our beloved nation reach new heights.  

So, may 2025 bring our families joy, peace, and abundant blessings. May our homes be filled with laughter, our communities with unity, and our nation with prosperity. Let us step into the new year with hope in our hearts and determination in our steps.  

Let us be bold in our steps, knowing that together there is nothing we cannot achieve.  

Happy New Year, my fellow Ghanaians. May God bless us all and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong.