President Mahama Highlights Jobs, 24-Hour Economy Law And Anti-Corruption Gains In State Of The Nation Address

President John Dramani Mahama, has outlined what he describes as significant economic and governance milestones in his State of the Nation Address, pointing to job creation, anti-corruption recoveries, healthcare expansion and infrastructure development as key indicators of progress.

Addressing Parliament, the President revealed that over one million Ghanaians secured employment between the first and third quarters of 2025. He presented the figure as evidence that government interventions aimed at stabilising the economy and stimulating growth are beginning to yield results.

According to him, the employment gains form part of a broader strategy to strengthen livelihoods and reduce economic hardship.

In what he described as a historic step, President Mahama announced that he signed the long-anticipated 24-hour economy legislation into law following Cabinet approval last week.

He characterised the initiative as “the boldest economic transformation initiative in Ghana’s recent history,” stating that all is now set for implementation. The policy is expected to stimulate productivity, attract investment and create sustainable employment by encouraging round-the-clock economic activity in key sectors.

The President also announced plans to expand healthcare capacity through the implementation of Phase Two of the Ridge Hospital project at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

The expansion is aimed at increasing bed capacity and improving service delivery at the facility, which serves as a major referral centre in the capital.

Reaffirming his administration’s stance on accountability, President Mahama stated that the fight against corruption remains a defining priority of his government.

“As of December 2025, EOCO has recovered more than ¢600 million,” he disclosed, adding that the office has investigated 462 cases, with 15 currently under prosecution.

The recoveries by the Economic and Organised Crime Office were presented as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to prudent public financial management and good governance.

On infrastructure, the President addressed rising passenger traffic and congestion at Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport.

In response, the government will remodel Terminal 2 into a dual-purpose facility to handle both domestic and international flights. The move is expected to ease pressure on existing infrastructure and enhance passenger experience at the airport.

The School Feeding Programme has also seen an increase in beneficiaries. The President announced that the number of beneficiaries rose from 3,801,491 in the 2023/2024 academic year to 4,231,059 in the 2024/2025 academic year.

He said the expansion underscores the government’s commitment to improving child nutrition, increasing school attendance, and supporting vulnerable families.

To strengthen national security, the Ghana Police Service has received 40 armoured vehicles and 100 pickup trucks to enhance operational efficiency.

Other security institutions, including the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, the Bureau of National Investigations, and the Narcotics Control Commission are also set to be retooled to enhance efficiency and national preparedness.