President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned Ghanaians to brace themselves for a demanding year ahead, while pledging that development and progress will reach every part of the country.
Speaking at a non-denominational thanksgiving service to mark his first year in office, President Mahama warned that 2026 would test the nation’s resolve, patience and discipline, but insisted it would also present opportunities to accelerate growth.
“The year ahead will demand even more from us. It will test our resolve, our patience, and our discipline,” Mr Mahama told the gathering, which included traditional leaders, clergy, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians and the judiciary.
“But it will also offer us opportunities. Opportunities to deepen the reforms we have started. Opportunities to accelerate our growth and ensure that development and progress touches every part of our country.”
The thanksgiving service, held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, brought together dignitaries from across the religious and political spectrum as the President reflected on a year he described as one marked by difficult decisions and necessary reforms.
President Mahama acknowledged that the foundations laid by his government “may not yet be visible” but stressed that they were essential for sustainable progress.
He cited economic stabilisation, institutional reform, social protection and the restoration of both domestic and international confidence as key priorities over the past 12 months.
“The work we have begun is far from finished, but today reminds us that progress is not measured only by numbers and by charts and diagrams. It is also measured by hope that is restored, by trust that is rebuilt, and by the correct direction that is regained,” he said.
The President used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to what he described as ethical leadership, service above self and governance anchored in integrity, competence and compassion.
He pledged to listen particularly to the vulnerable, the youth and those who feel excluded from national development.
President Mahama described leadership as “stewardship” that is “temporary and fleeting”, adding that authority is “a fleeting trust held on behalf of the people”.
He reserved special praise for Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as “a woman of dignity and quiet strength” and the first woman to rise to such a position of responsibility in Ghana’s history.
“I could not have wished for a better assistant to help me bear the heavy load Ghanaians have entrusted to me,” the President said.
He thanked Ghanaians for their trust, constructive criticism, encouragement and enduring belief that the nation can and must do better, describing the past year as one of “shared sacrifice and patience”.
President Mahama called on the nation to move forward with humility, lead with empathy and govern with courage, noting that Ghana’s strength has always come from its ability to rise above division and work together for the common good.
“May the year ahead bring renewed strength to our nation, wisdom to our leaders, peace to our communities, and hope to every Ghanaian home,” he said in closing.
