ACCRA, Jan 1 (Futball Surgery)- Ghana outgoing president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged Ghanaian citizens in a number of ways, to “dream big, work hard and be hopeful for the future.
In his last end-of-year address of the nation from Presidential Palace Jubilee House, the president said serving the country for the past eight years has been the greatest honour of his life.
The president who led the country in the name of New Patriotic Party confirmed Ghana’s economy recovery that gained 7.2% growth rate in the third quarter of the just past year.
The president, who will hand over power to newly-elect John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress in a presidential swear-in ceremony next week, said, “Serving you has been the greatest honour of my life.”
He explained that he does not see himself solely as a leader but as a Ghanaian who is humbled by the trust the people have placed in him.
“I stand before you not just as a leader, but as a fellow Ghanaian humbled by the trust you have placed in me,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo expressed that he would forever cherish his journey as the nation’s president, particularly highlighting the various initiatives he has introduced, including the Free Senior High School programme.
He also mentioned the significant improvements in the country’s health, telecommunications, and agriculture sectors during his tenure. Pandemics have plagued the world and countries in recent years but Ghana remains immune of the extend of devastating impacts of the country’s health system.
The president encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the opportunities “that lie before us” in the new year, with a special emphasis on the youth to “dream big and work hard.”
The president urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful for the coming year stating that Ghana’s economy is rebounding due to the effective measures undertaken by the outgoing administration. Ghana suffered its worst economic crisis in a generation under Akufo-Addo’s era but the same period economy development recovery has taken place before Mahama’s administration is auctioned.
This is backed with the president saying evidence is not just in statistics but in real life-changing stories. He said the 7.2% growth rate achieved in the third quarter of 2024 confirms the strong recovery.
He noted that progress has been made despite the challenges the government and the people of Ghana faced.
“Our economy is rebounding impressively as demonstrated by the remarkable 7.2% growth achieved in the Q3 of 2024, with the year’s growth rate projected at 6.8%.
“These achievements are not just numbers or statistics. They are stories of life changed and futures made brighter. But I also acknowledge the challenges we have faced. The road has not always been smooth, and there have been times of difficulty and sacrifice.”
“The post-COVID-19 years have tested us to our limit, but it also reminded us of who we are, a people who rise together no matter the odds.”
The President urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful as they embrace the New Year, 2025.
“As we step into 2025, I encourage us all to hold on to the hope that’s carried us this far.”
Ghana’s political development will continue and despite pending re-collation results of some electoral centres, Ghana will stage a swear-in inauguration for Mahama on 7th January, 2025.
