President John Dramani Mahama is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address to Parliament next week, ahead of the National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 3, 2025.

The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, made the announcement at a press briefing after the first Cabinet meeting of the new administration. 

He described the State of the Nation Address as a significant event in Ghana’s political calendar, noting that it would provide a comprehensive update on the country’s economic situation, what was inherited, and plans for economic revival and resuscitation.

Cabinet meeting briefings

During the Cabinet meeting, three key briefings were presented. The first was from security chiefs, who declared Ghana safe and assured the Cabinet of their preparedness to avert any potential threats. The second briefing was delivered by Augustus "Goosie" Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Economic Development, who outlined a roadmap for the full implementation of the 24-hour economy policy. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that the briefing showed they were on course for a smooth takeoff.

The third briefing was presented by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who provided an update on the country’s financial health. He revealed that the economic situation was more dire than previously known due to what he described as economic mismanagement under the previous administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. However, he assured Ghanaians that the new government had the capacity to turn things around. The Finance Minister is expected to present the administration’s first budget to Parliament on March 11, 2025.

Mr Ofosu announced that the 19-member cabinet, chaired by the president, is composed of: 

Minister for Finance: Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

Minister for the Interior: Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka

Minister for Health: Kwabena Mintah Akandoh

Minister for Defence: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah

Attorney General and Minister for Justice: Dominic Akuritinga Ayine

Minister for Energy and Green Transition: John Abdulai Jinapor

Minister for Education: Haruna Iddrisu

Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry: Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Minister for Foreign Affairs: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Minister for Food and Agriculture: Eric Opoku

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations: Samuel Nartey George

Minister for Roads and Highways: Kwame Governs Agbodza

Minister for Environment, Science and Technology: Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources: Kenneth Adjei

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs: Ahmed Ibrahim

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection: Naa Momo Lartey

Minister for Transport: Joseph Bukari Nikpe

Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment: Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo