SONA 2026: “Profound Flux” in Global Order Demands African Unity – Mahama Warns

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapidly shifting global order demands greater African unity, strategic alignment and self-reliance.

Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Friday, February 27, the President described the current period as a defining moment for Ghana and the African continent. He said the country stands at a crossroads shaped by difficult decisions, institutional resilience and a renewed commitment to stability and national purpose.

“As a nation, we are on the rebound of renewal,” he declared, noting that his administration’s guiding theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” is not symbolic but a practical roadmap for governance.

Resetting Ghana

With Ghana preparing to celebrate 69 years of independence on March 6, President Mahama reflected on the nation’s journey and acknowledged the economic and governance challenges it has faced.

He explained that the “Resetting Ghana Agenda” is designed to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild public confidence in state institutions, reinforce democratic governance and improve living standards.

“It is about turning the page on years of mismanagement and confronting our challenges with honesty,” he said, reaffirming commitments to fiscal discipline, transparency and sustainable development.

Africa’s Shared Destiny

Beyond domestic reforms, the President placed strong emphasis on Ghana’s continental obligations, arguing that national prosperity cannot be separated from Africa’s collective progress.

“We cannot build lasting prosperity at home without contributing to stability and growth across our continent,” he stated.

He called for a shift from dependency to self-reliance, from fragmentation to integration, and from reactive diplomacy to strategic continental leadership. According to him, dismantling trade barriers, strengthening regional value chains and fully activating a common African market are essential steps.

President Mahama stressed that no African country, regardless of its resource base, can flourish in isolation within the evolving global system.

A World in “Profound Flux”

Describing the global environment as being in “profound flux,” he argued that the international rule-based system often serves the interests of its architects. He urged African nations to respond with unity, coordination and strategic clarity rather than hesitation.

He encouraged the continent to leverage its youthful population, mobilise domestic capital for development financing and speak with one coordinated voice in global affairs.

“This is how Africa can move from promise to power, from participation to leadership, and from dependence to self-reliance,” he emphasised.

Reaffirming Ghana’s sovereignty, President Mahama assured Parliament that his administration would prioritise national interests while maintaining constructive international partnerships.

“We will uphold global norms but will not outsource our judgment,” he said, adding that building internal resilience is key to navigating external shocks and shifting global power dynamics.

The address marks the first SONA of his renewed 2026 mandate, setting the tone for what he described as a decisive era of national reset and strengthened continental ambition.