Ghanaian businessman Abdul-Matheen Sali Jinsah, widely known as General Matheen, has hailed President John Dramani Mahama for delivering what he believes to be an inspiring and comprehensive State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, President Mahama delivered the first SONA of his second term on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
In his address, President Mahama described the economic situation inherited from the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration as dire and in urgent need of intervention.
He noted that the state coffers had been depleted, forcing his administration to operate with limited resources while implementing policies to reverse the situation.
The president assured Ghanaians that his government would improve the business environment with policies designed to attract investors.
He further announced plans to hold economic seminars to engage Ghanaians and various stakeholders on how the government intends to “reset” the ailing economy.
“Mr. Speaker, we will host a National Economic Dialogue on March 3rd and 4th. On March 11th, the Minister for Finance, on my behalf, will present the budget estimates for the financial year to this august House. These two events will allow us to present the real state of Ghana’s economic crisis to the people,” President Mahama stated.
Shortly after the president’s address, General Matheen, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress, took to Facebook to express his approval, noting that the promise to create an enabling environment for businesses would be welcomed by investors.
He emphasized that the commitment to permanently resolve the country’s power crisis, locally known as dumsor, would resonate strongly with the business community and enhance confidence in the government.
“I have just watched President Mahama’s first SONA, and I must say that I’m really impressed. As a businessman, I am highly satisfied with the various policies he outlined, and I believe any businessperson who watched or listened to him would feel the same.
“The current business environment is not entirely favorable due to numerous taxes and other challenges, but I am confident that JM will fulfill his promises because the business community is watching closely.
“The president’s pledge to end dumsor is also significant, especially given recent concerns about its re-emergence. Considering the current state of our economy, we cannot afford another power crisis. It is, therefore, a major relief to hear the president assure the nation that he will resolve the power sector crisis permanently.
“Overall, I believe it was a great speech that will inspire confidence among investors and businesspeople both within and outside the country,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, watch as Nana Akomea, Kwesi Pratt clash on radio over public sector dismissals