By: Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that government will maintain strict fiscal discipline and prudent economic management, even in the election year of 2028.
Speaking at the Annual New Year School and Conference in Accra on Tuesday January 6, 2026, President Mahama said his administration will not sacrifice economic stability for political gain. He stressed that growth, discipline and accountability must remain permanent features of governance.
According to the President, building the Ghana the nation desires cannot be done by one individual or a single government. He said it requires partnership, innovation, discipline and national consensus, urging Ghanaians to move beyond rhetoric to practical solutions that serve the national interest.
President Mahama noted that democracy in parts of the region is facing serious challenges, adding that Ghana must continue to show that democratic governance works and that leaders can be trusted to protect the interests of the people while creating opportunities for prosperity.
He outlined five key pillars guiding his government’s development agenda, emphasizing that a sustainable Ghana must be built on a productive, diversified and resilient economy. He said the country must move away from excessive dependence on raw material exports and focus on value addition, industrial production and knowledge-based enterprises.
The President announced that his government will roll out a policy this year to ensure that minerals, petroleum and agricultural products are processed locally before export. He explained that this policy aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy and export development programme, which he described as a structural strategy aimed at boosting productivity, supporting manufacturing and logistics, and creating millions of decent jobs.
President Mahama said the government has already made progress in stabilising the economy, citing a stronger currency, declining inflation, reduced public debt and increased foreign reserves. He noted that inflation has dropped significantly, while foreign reserves have risen sharply over the past year.
He also revealed that the government is investing heavily in infrastructure through the Big Push programme, with over $13 billion invested in 2025 and $30.8 billion allocated for 2026. The investments, he said, will improve roads, railways, aviation, health, education, agribusiness and manufacturing.
One of the flagship projects under the programme, President Mahama disclosed, will be the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, which is expected to boost trade and economic activity across the country.
He reaffirmed that his government’s commitment to disciplined economic management, saying it is the foundation for long-term growth, job creation and national development.
