SONA: Gov’t Key Achievements and Future Plans

President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in parliament on February 27, 2024, which is in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

In the address, Nana Addo provided government’s key achievements and outlined future initiatives across various sectors, providing an overview of the nation’s current status.

Addressing the nation, he underscored the government’s actions towards agricultural growth, giving plans for the distribution of agricultural machinery under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program.

He stated, “Under the second phase of the PFJ, Government, under the Indian Exim Facility, tractors with matching implements, planters, boom sprayers, combine harvesters, and corn pickers will also be made available.”

This aligns with the administration’s emphasis on mechanization and support for the agriculture sector, he explained

The President highlighted an increase in cocoa prices, signaling positive outcomes for cocoa farmers and the economy, stating, “We all witnessed the spectacular increment of the cocoa price from eight hundred cedis per bag (GH¢800) to one thousand, three hundred cedis (GH¢1,300) per bag in the current cocoa season, the highest increase in fifty (50) years.”

This surge is expected to positively impact cocoa farmers and contribute to the overall economic growth.

Turning attention to infrastructure development, Nana Addo provided update on irrigation projects in Ghana targeting economic enclaves and emphasizing efforts to boost agricultural productivity.

He noted, “Government has begun the development of seven thousand, one hundred hectares (7,100Ha) irrigation infrastructure in five identified economic enclaves within the Afram Plains Agricultural Zone.”

These initiatives aim to enhance agricultural productivity and support sustainable farming practices.

The President emphasized the government’s dedication to industrial growth, citing the “One-District-One Factory” policy as a significant catalyst for job creation and economic empowerment.

“Within this period, some one hundred and seventy thousand (170,000) jobs have been created under the novel 1D1F Programme by companies in operation,” he reported.

This job creation contributes to economic empowerment and decentralization of industrial activities.

Acknowledging the nation’s tourism sector, the President expressed optimism about Ghana’s potential in tourism, citing modernization efforts and the reopening of cultural heritage sites.

“Ghana is finally realizing her long-promised potential in the tourism sector.”

He pointed to the modernization of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the reopening of the National Museum Gallery, reflecting a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

He further advocated for a long-term strategy in football development, emphasizing the need for talent scouting and grassroots development.

“I believe it is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong in football.”

This strategy involves scouting, grooming, and developing talent at the grassroots level to ensure a sustainable future for Ghanaian football.