Full details of what John Mahama said in his last SONA in his first term as president in 2017

President Mahama emphasized that Ghana's economy had shown resilience, with a consistent average GDP growth rate of around 7% over the past three years. He attributed this growth to strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. However, he acknowledged challenges such as the fiscal deficit and public debt, noting that measures had been implemented to address these issues, including fiscal consolidation and expenditure management.​

Energy Sector Improvements

Addressing the energy crisis that had plagued the nation, President Mahama highlighted significant strides made to achieve energy stability. He cited the addition of over 800 megawatts of power to the national grid through projects like the Karpowership and the Atuabo Gas Plant. These efforts, he noted, had effectively mitigated the debilitating power outages, commonly referred to as "dumsor."​

Infrastructure Development

The President detailed extensive infrastructure projects undertaken during his administration, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, expansion of ports, and modernization of airports. He mentioned the completion of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and the ongoing Terminal 3 project at Kotoka International Airport as testaments to the government's commitment to transforming Ghana's infrastructure landscape.​

Advancements in Education and Healthcare

In the education sector, President Mahama highlighted the establishment of new community day senior high schools and the enhancement of existing facilities to improve access and quality. He also discussed the implementation of the progressively free SHS policy, aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and their families.​

On healthcare, he pointed to the construction of new hospitals and the upgrading of existing ones, which had increased the bed capacity and improved healthcare delivery across the country. Initiatives such as the National Health Insurance Scheme were also strengthened to ensure broader coverage and sustainability.​

Governance and Anti-Corruption Efforts

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration's commitment to good governance and the fight against corruption. He outlined measures such as the establishment of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the strengthening of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices.​

Conclusion

In his concluding remarks, President Mahama expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for the opportunity to serve and urged continued unity and support for national development. He emphasized that while significant progress had been made, there was still work to be done, and he remained optimistic about Ghana's future prospects.