Ghana Inherited Fragile Economy, Deep Governance Crisis – President Mahama

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has said he assumed office amid severe economic and governance challenges, describing the country he inherited as being on the brink of collapse.

Speaking during a three-day state visit to Zambia, where he met with members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Mahama said the condition of the nation at the time of his inauguration in January 2025 required urgent and far-reaching reforms.

According to the president, Ghana was facing widespread difficulties across key sectors, including health, education, and agriculture, alongside a weakening economy and growing public debt.

“We inherited a country that was sick,” Mahama said. “The economy was in crisis, governance was in tatters, and our debt had risen above 100 percent of GDP. No one was willing to lend to Ghana.”

He noted that the country’s debt distress had undermined investor confidence and limited access to international financial support, further worsening economic pressures.

Mahama said these realities shaped his campaign during the 2024 elections, during which his party promised sweeping reforms aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding public institutions.

He compared his administration’s agenda to “resetting a computer,” arguing that deep structural changes were needed rather than temporary solutions.

“Our goal was not simply to win an election,” he said. “It was to reset the system and put Ghana back on the path to sustainable growth.”

The president added that his government remains committed to reviving the economy, strengthening governance, and restoring public trust in state institutions.