John Dramani Mahama has stated that his government believes the people of Ghana are the country's most treasured asset and will be put first in his social development agenda.

He said: "…the thrust of our social policy and human development programme revolves around education, healthcare, social security and protection for the vulnerable – women, children, the aged and people with disabilities."

The President on Thursday gave his maiden State of the Nation address on the theme Advancing the Better Ghana - Opportunities for Growth, in which he set out his plans for the country for the coming year.

He said his government for the next year will ensure that Ghana witnesses socio-economic developments that are more progressive than in the last two decades.

"Putting people first, a strong and resilient economy, expanding infrastructure, and transparent and accountable governance," is crucial, he said.

"We will focus on and emphasise the productive and reproductive capabilities of these social groupings, while ensuring at the same time that the most vulnerable in our society are effectively protected."

President Mahama said the quest to build an equitable society in which the productive capacities of the people are tapped for national development would come to nothing if "we do not give our children sound, meaningful and relevant education".