President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving healthcare, restoring economic stability, creating jobs and implementing constitutional reforms as part of the Resetting Ghana Agenda.
Addressing residents during the Citizen Engagement Programme in the Central Region as part of his nationwide Resetting Ghana Tour, President Mahama said his administration remains focused on delivering the promises made to Ghanaians during the 2024 election campaign.
“We made a solemn promise to the people of Ghana that if God granted us victory, we would embark on a Resetting Ghana Agenda. Resetting means doing things differently, just as we reset our phones and computers to improve their performance and efficiency,” he said.
The President highlighted the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme and MahamaCare as key interventions aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare across the country.
He explained that under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, Ghanaians can receive treatment for common illnesses at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics without presenting a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card.
“Every Ghanaian can receive treatment at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics without needing a National Health Insurance card. Common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid fever and respiratory infections can be treated free of charge,” he stated.
President Mahama clarified that the initiative complements rather than replaces the NHIS, while MahamaCare has been introduced to support patients battling chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and various forms of cancer.
The President also placed strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, announcing that community health workers have been equipped to conduct regular outreach programmes and free health screenings in communities.
“Every Ghanaian should undergo a medical check-up at least once a year,” he urged, recounting how an elderly woman who became the first patient at the newly commissioned Ohiaba CHPS compound was diagnosed with dangerously high blood pressure during a routine screening.
According to him, the Citizen Engagement Programme forms part of government’s commitment to transparency and accountability by reporting directly to citizens on progress made while providing an opportunity for residents to express their concerns and expectations.
“The purpose of the Resetting Ghana Agenda Tour is accountability. You elected us into office in 2024, and we promised to be a transparent and accountable government,” he said.
On infrastructure development, President Mahama announced that contractors delivering quality work under the Big Push Programme would be considered for future projects under the initiative’s second phase.
“I have informed contractors working under the Big Push Programme that Phase Two of the initiative is coming. Contractors who deliver quality work on schedule will be considered for future projects,” he stated.
The President disclosed that improved financial management has enabled government to pay contractors within two to three weeks after certification of completed work.
He noted that despite inheriting a difficult economy characterised by high debt and IMF programme challenges, his administration’s fiscal discipline has begun yielding positive results.
“Today, Ghana’s finances are stabilising. The cedi has strengthened, inflation has declined, and interest rates are gradually reducing. While challenges remain, the economy is steadily improving,”
President Mahama said.
He added that the government is financing major infrastructure projects primarily from domestic resources rather than excessive borrowing.
“We have not gone around the world borrowing money to undertake these projects. We are using Ghana’s own resources and tax revenues to develop our nation,” he stressed.
The President further announced that increased macroeconomic stability is boosting investor confidence, leading to a significant rise in foreign direct investment.
Turning to governance reforms, President Mahama revealed that government is reviewing recommendations submitted by the Constitutional Review Committee, including proposals to elect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and extend the tenure of elected office holders from four to five years.
He said the recommendations would soon be presented to the public through a government position paper before implementation processes begin.
On education, the President announced ongoing investments through GETFund and revealed plans to secure a 300-million-dollar World Bank facility to expand educational infrastructure and eliminate the double-track system by the end of 2027.
In the energy sector, President Mahama said government has successfully negotiated debt restructuring arrangements with Independent Power Producers to safeguard electricity generation and is planning to construct a 1,200-megawatt thermal power plant.
“Several investors have expressed interest in financing the project, but our preference is to utilise Ghana’s own resources as much as possible. We want to build national assets that remain firmly under Ghanaian ownership and control,” he said.
President Mahama assured residents of the Central Region that his administration remains committed to delivering inclusive development, strengthening public services and sustaining economic recovery as Ghana continues its Resetting Ghana Agenda.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
