Mahama delivers SONA, university students share expectations

The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, is set to deliver his maiden address on the State of the Nation on Thursday, February 27, 2025, following his assumption of office last month, January 7.

Ahead of the delivery of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), some students of the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in the Upper West Region share their expectations.

Ms. Ida Adiyone Alira, a political science student, said she expects the President to give clear information on when and how the much-talked-about 24-hour economy will start.

“He should kick start the 24-hour economy because we have a lot of unemployed youth. We believe that this 24-hour economy was coming to, reduce this rate of unemployment and create jobs for the youth and the unemployed.

“I expect to hear the strategies put in place and how it's going to help us; we want actions, not just words,” she said.

Also, the Speaker of the UBIDS Youth Parliament, Ms. Alira raised concerns about the escalating issue of galamsey, noting that forest reserves are being destroyed and that security forces are struggling to control the situation.

“I'm also interested in how the president is going to handle the issue of galamsey, because galamsey is becoming too much and a little is being done about it. Our forest reserves are being destroyed.”

Development Planning student, Ms. Dorcas Biisome Duut, said “I hope the president's address will be a call to action rather than just a statement of the country's problems.”

She emphasized the need for the president to address inflation and to set a clear timeline to bring price increases under control.

“I hope the presidents do address the issue of inflation in the country, and that is the increment in prices of goods and services. And so I think the president should set a clear timeline to bring in inflation under control,” she said.

She also expressed hope that the president would outline strategic ways to create jobs, boost productivity, and support small businesses through loans and grants.

“I think the president should detail specific indicators like GDP growth, and job creation, and also address the management of our public debt.

“And I believe as citizens, we are concerned with this, and we want to know the ways forward to paying off these debts and looking at sustainable ways to handle issues moving forward,” she added.

She stressed that transparency and regular updates on government policies are essential for inspiring confidence and hope.

The SONA is expected to serve as a pivotal moment for young Ghanaians as they anticipate concrete policy actions to address their challenges.