President John Dramani Mahama has made a passionate appeal to members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to take part in the upcoming National Economic Forum.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the president pointed out that the National Economic Forum would help find solutions to the current economic predicament in which the country finds itself.

He, therefore, urged the NPP not to boycott the forum like they did the Senchi Economic Forum, which was held during his first term as president of Ghana.

“Mr. Speaker, in fulfilment of our 120-day social contract with the Ghanaian people, we have put in place the planning committee to host the National Economic Dialogue. This dialogue is expected to discuss the state of the economy and reach a consensus on the key policies needed to address the devastating economic crisis confronting us. It will support the development of a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme, and it will highlight key structural reforms and policy priorities essential for resetting the economy and creating prosperity for all our people.

“I believe there's absolute wisdom in what our elders say that two heads are better than one… consultation and consensus building have always proven to be better than unilateral decision making,” he said.

He added, “It is my hope, therefore, that our colleagues on the other side of the divide will display love of country and participate in this national dialogue, unlike the boycott of the Senchi Forum in 2014.”

The president also promised to “accommodate and cooperate with all stakeholders” in all of the programmes and policies his government would be implementing.

Background:

President Mahama's address, which is in line with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, and which is expected to outline his ambitious “Resetting Ghana” agenda, aims at tackling economic challenges, creating jobs, and restoring stability.

In his address, the president is expected to touch on key areas of his government's policy objectives.

He is also expected to provide updates on the state of Ghana’s economy, including the ongoing IMF bailout program, security, and the cost of living, among other issues.

Additionally, he will update Ghanaians on deliverables for the year ahead, as well as the achievements of his government so far and the challenges that lie ahead.

BAI/AE

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