President -elect John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged the daunting task of restoring Ghana’s economy but assured the United Nations (UN) of his administration’s readiness to act decisively.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, on Tuesday, December 11, Mr. Mahama emphasized the urgency of addressing Ghana’s economic challenges and the high expectations of its citizens.
During the meeting, Mr. Abani congratulated Mr. Mahama on his electoral victory and praised Ghana’s peaceful democratic process. He also highlighted the historic milestone of Ghana’s first female Vice President-elect, assuring the President-elect of the UN’s unwavering support.
“Our purpose here is to congratulate you and commend you for leading a peaceful election, which reinforces Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy in Africa. Your presidency represents a new chapter, and the UN stands ready to collaborate with your administration,” Mr. Abani stated.
In response, Mr. Mahama expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between Ghana and the UN, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in overcoming the nation’s current economic hurdles.
“Ghana has always maintained strong ties with the UN and its agencies, and I deeply value the work we’ve done together in the past. Given the economic crisis we face, we need your support now more than ever,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but remained optimistic about forging strategic partnerships to navigate Ghana’s challenges.
“We’re committed to working closely with you and other global partners, including the World Bank and the IMF, to realign existing programs to today’s realities. Debt repayment is a significant concern, and we must explore ways to restructure it to prevent further defaults, which could have catastrophic consequences,” he said.
Mr. Mahama also highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, noting erratic rainfall patterns in recent years as a potential threat to food security. He called for swift interventions to mitigate the situation through collaboration with agencies like UNICEF and UNHCR.
Admitting the weight of public expectations following his landslide victory, the President-elect underscored his administration’s commitment to swift and decisive action.
“I don’t underestimate the enormity of the task. Ghanaians have placed great trust in us, and managing these expectations will be crucial. We must move quickly to deliver on our promises and set Ghana back on a path to stability and growth,” he concluded.
The meeting reaffirmed the UN’s support for Ghana’s development agenda, setting the tone for strengthened partnerships in the years ahead.
