Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s February 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as defensive and lacking the bold vision needed to restore confidence in Ghana’s economy.
In a statement issued on March 1, 2026, from East Legon, Accra, Agyepong argued that the President missed a constitutional opportunity to “inspire confidence, reengineer the national conversation and articulate a bold roadmap for Ghana’s economic recovery and growth.”
According to him, rather than rising above partisan lines, the address was “heavy on self-congratulation and light on transformative direction,” failing to adequately address the concerns of cocoa farmers, investors and ordinary citizens grappling with rising electricity costs and economic pressures.
Concerns Over Cocoa Pricing
Agyepong expressed particular concern over what he described as the suggestion that reducing cocoa producer prices was necessary to avoid returning to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
“That argument may satisfy fiscal technocrats, but it does little to comfort the cocoa farmer whose livelihood already hangs in delicate balance,” he said.
He noted that cocoa farmers already contend with rising input costs, ageing farms, climate uncertainty and volatile global prices. Shifting the burden of fiscal discipline onto farmers, he argued, reflects “a troubling imbalance in national priorities.”
“If agriculture is truly the backbone of the economy, then policy must treat farmers as partners in growth, not as shock absorbers for macroeconomic adjustment,” he added.
Taxation and Investor Confidence
On taxation, Agyepong warned that increasing taxes at a time when Ghana needs private capital in infrastructure, manufacturing and technology could dampen investor confidence.
“Raising taxes without a parallel demonstration of expenditure discipline, regulatory certainty and institutional reform risks long-term stagnation,” he stated.
While acknowledging that taxation itself is not inherently problematic, he stressed that predictability in policy and credible governance are crucial to attracting investment. He further argued that the President missed an opportunity to outline a comprehensive strategy to broaden the tax base through economic growth rather than “deepening it through pressure.”
Institutional Reform and Corruption
Agyepong also criticised what he described as the absence of a strong reform agenda targeting corruption, cronyism, selective law enforcement and institutional weaknesses.
“Investors do not merely examine tax rates; they assess the strength of institutions and the predictability of the rule of law,” he noted, adding that citizens evaluate fairness, not just government growth statistics.
He maintained that silence on these structural issues does not amount to reform and undermines public trust.
Galamsey Fight Lacks Concrete Framework
On illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, Agyepong said the President’s assurances sounded “familiar and hollow,” arguing that successive administrations have pledged crackdowns while environmental destruction persists.
“This crisis demands more than rhetoric. It requires institutional insulation from political interference, transparent enforcement mechanisms, technological surveillance, and the political courage to confront financiers and enablers at the highest levels,” he stated.
Call for Bold, Measurable Leadership
Agyepong concluded that a State of the Nation Address is a constitutional moment that should articulate a measurable and forward-looking path for the country.
“Ghanaians deserve more than mere words. We need to see a credible roadmap anchored in reform, fairness and forward thinking,” he said.
He stressed that in times of economic and environmental fragility, “presentational leadership is not enough,” and called for compassionate policies for farmers, disciplined fiscal management attractive to investors, decisive action against environmental degradation and stronger institutions.
Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong signed the statement on March 1, 2026, from 6 Anang Loop, East Legon, Accra.
