In a highly anticipated State of the Nation Address delivered on Thursday at the Parliament House, President John Dramani Mahama outlined his vision for resetting the economy and empowering citizens. The address, his first since assuming office, focused on the current state of the nation and measures to address challenges inherited from the previous Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo administration.
A key highlight of the speech is the introduction of a short military training program aimed at fostering discipline and skill development among Ghanaian youth. The President revealed that the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has been tasked with presenting a legislative instrument to Parliament to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 119). This initiative is expected to enhance national service programs and provide young Ghanaians with valuable life skills.
According to the president, graduates who are enrolled on the NSS program will take a short military training to enhance their discipline and fitness for the service. This has widely been accepted and will be the first of its kind in the country. Other African countries like Nigerian already have the training in place but Ghana is yet to have it.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling corruption, a persistent issue in the country. He disclosed that investigations are ongoing into the national service ghost names scandal, where fraudulent names were allegedly added to the payroll. “As part of ORAL, I have ordered investigations to bring the culprits in the national service ghost names scandal to justice,” he stated, emphasizing his zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
The address resonated with many Ghanaians, who are eager for tangible solutions to economic challenges and governance issues. The President’s focus on youth empowerment and anti-corruption measures signals a proactive approach to addressing systemic problems and fostering national development.
As Ghana moves forward, the implementation of these initiatives will be closely watched by citizens and stakeholders alike. The President’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and youth development offers a renewed sense of hope for the nation’s future.
