President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to address Parliament with the State of the Nation Address next week, paving the way for the National Economic Dialogue on March 3, 2025.

In a press briefing following the first Cabinet meeting of the new administration, the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that President John Dramani Mahama would present the State of the Nation Address to Parliament next week. The address is expected to set the tone for the much-anticipated National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 3, 2025.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized the significance of the State of the Nation Address in Ghana’s political calendar, highlighting its role in providing a comprehensive update on the nation’s economic state. “It will offer insights into the economic situation inherited by this administration and outline bold plans for economic revival and resuscitation,” he said, adding that President Mahama would take the opportunity to delve deep into these pressing issues.

Key Briefings from the Cabinet Meeting

During the inaugural Cabinet meeting, three critical briefings were delivered to guide the new administration’s strategic direction:

1. Economic Overview by the Finance Minister:
   Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, presented a sobering assessment of Ghana’s financial health. He revealed that the country’s economic situation was far more challenging than previously understood, attributing this to what he described as “economic mismanagement” under the previous administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President Akufo-Addo. Despite the challenges, Dr. Forson assured Ghanaians that the new government had the expertise and resolve to steer the economy toward recovery. He is expected to present the administration’s first budget to Parliament on March 11, 2025.
2. National Security Assurance:
   Security chiefs provided the first briefing, offering a reassuring message that Ghana remains safe. They expressed confidence in the nation’s preparedness to prevent and address any potential threats, signaling stability as the new administration embarks on its ambitious agenda.
3. 24-Hour Economy Roadmap:
   The third briefing came from Augustus ‘Goosie’ Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Economic Development. He presented a detailed roadmap for implementing the 24-hour economy policy, a cornerstone of President Mahama’s vision for accelerated growth. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the briefing demonstrated that the government was on track for a smooth rollout of this transformative policy.

Unveiling the New Cabinet

The 19-member Cabinet, chaired by President Mahama, reflects a blend of experienced leaders and strategic thinkers poised to drive the administration’s agenda. The composition of the Cabinet is as follows:

• Minister for Finance: Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
• Minister for Health: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
• Minister for Defence: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
• Minister for the Interior: Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka
• Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations: Samuel Nartey George
• Minister for Foreign Affairs: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
• Minister for Roads and Highways: Kwame Governs Agbodza
• Attorney General and Minister for Justice: Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
• Minister for Education: Haruna Iddrisu
• Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry: Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare
• Minister for Energy and Green Transition: John Abdulai Jinapor
• Minister for Transport: Joseph Bukari Nikpe
• Minister for Food and Agriculture: Eric Opoku
• Minister for Lands and Natural Resources: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
• Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources: Kenneth Adjei
• Minister for Environment, Science and Technology: Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
• Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs: Ahmed Ibrahim
• Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection: Naa Momo Lartey
• Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment: Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo

The newly formed Cabinet is expected to hit the ground running, focusing on economic stabilization, social welfare, and delivering on campaign promises. With the upcoming State of the Nation Address and the National Economic Dialogue, the administration is poised to outline a clear and actionable path to national development and prosperity.