SONA to focus on policy initiatives, economic stabilisation
President John Dramani Mahama will today present the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament detailing progress of work on major initiatives, as well as intentions in all sectors of the economy.
The address, which is in fulfilment of the President’s constitutional mandate under Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, sets the tone for the government’s direction for the year ahead.
The address, which is the second of his second term, comes exactly a year after he stood before the same House to outline the challenges his administration inherited and pledged a comprehensive reset of the nation’s trajectory.
This year’s message is highly anticipated as it will serve as a progress report on the ambitious policy initiatives and economic stabilisation efforts rolled out over the past twelve months.
When President Mahama delivered his first SONA in 2025, he painted a stark picture of an economy burdened by high inflation, currency depreciation, and unsustainable debt.
Data
According to data leading up to the address, the landscape has shifted significantly over the past year. Inflation has seen a sharp decline, closing 2025 at 5.4 per cent compared to 23.8 percent in December 2024.
Furthermore, the Ghana Cedi recorded its first annual appreciation against the United States dollar since 1994, allowing the Bank of Ghana to cut the Monetary Policy Rate by a substantial 1,000 basis points.
While these macroeconomic gains provide a positive backdrop, the President is expected to acknowledge that the cost of living remains a pressing concern for ordinary Ghanaians.
The public would also expect an update of the government’s flagship 24 Hour Economy Policy and the newly created Authority.
IMANI’s take
Ahead of the address, policy think-tank IMANI Africa has urged the President to provide concrete updates on specific commitments made in 2025, rather than just highlighting achievements.
The group has identified 20 key promises across various sectors that citizens will be watching closely.
In the energy sector, stakeholders are expecting updates on the roadmap for clearing the accumulated energy sector debt, the creation of a single collection account to manage system losses, and the status of the renewable energy and green transition fund.
On agriculture, the focus is on tangible results regarding the elimination of the $300 million poultry import bill through the Nkoko Nketenkete programme, and the rollout of the AgriNext initiative, which aims to provide land access for approximately 30,000 youth.
In education and health, Ghanaians are looking for progress on the integration of ICT into 300 early childhood classrooms, the introduction of a sign language curriculum from kindergarten to senior high school, and innovative strategies (such as PPPs and franchising) to complete the stalled Agenda 111 hospitals.
There are also expectations on the status of the “MahamaCares” health fund.
The fight against corruption also remains a key expectation.
President Mahama is expected to address the status of investigations initiated by the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) taskforce, particularly regarding the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal and other financial malpractices.
Beyond promises
Beyond the policy promises, ordinary citizens are looking for relief in their daily lives.
In the Keta Municipality, residents have shared their hopes for the President’s message.
Market women are appealing for policies that will lead to price stabilisation of goods and improved infrastructure for local markets, while commercial drivers are calling for measures to ensure fuel price stability and a reduction in the cost of spare parts.
Citizens are also keen to hear updates on specific local projects, such as the construction of the Keta harbour administrative office and the sea defence projects in communities along the Volta estuary.
The reliability of electricity supply has also been flagged as a concern, with calls for an end to unannounced power outages.
Parliament has finalised arrangements for the event.
According to the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, Members of Parliament are expected to be seated by 9:15 a.m., with the President scheduled to be formally welcomed into the Chamber at 10 a.m.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, will preside over the joint sitting, which will be attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other invited dignitaries.
The address, a significant event on Ghana’s political calendar, will be broadcast live, and Parliament has issued strict media guidelines to ensure orderly coverage.
As the nation listens, the overriding expectation is that the President will not only tout achievements but will lay out a clear, accountable path forward for the year ahead.
