President Mahama Promotes ‘Reset Agenda’ and Economic Gains During Zambia State Visit

President John Dramani Mahama has concluded a significant three-day state visit to Zambia, where he addressed the Zambian National Assembly and highlighted the successes of his administration’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda. During his address on February 5, 2026, Mahama emphasized that his government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and debt restructuring has delivered tangible economic stability. Key achievements cited included the reduction of the size of government to 58 ministers and a dramatic decline in inflation from 23.4% in late 2024 to 3.8% by January 2026. He further noted that the Ghanaian cedi saw a 32% appreciation in 2025, signaling a robust recovery for the national economy.

A central pillar of Mahama’s address was the sharing of Ghana’s extractive sector reforms, specifically the “Gold Board” model established in 2022. He revealed that the initiative has significantly boosted gold production from 63 to 104 tonnes by formalizing small-scale mining and enhancing artisanal exports. Mahama urged African nations to exercise greater sovereignty over their natural resources, advocating for local mineral processing and the repatriation of foreign reserves from Western systems to stimulate continental development financing. This vision includes the creation of regional prosperity platforms, such as integrated energy grids and shared manufacturing zones, to move Africa toward action-oriented unity.

The visit also served to deepen bilateral ties between the two “natural partners.” President Mahama and his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, signed an Enhanced Economic Development Cooperation Partnership Agreement, which includes provisions for visa-free travel to facilitate trade and tourism. Complementing the high-level diplomatic talks, First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama held a private meeting with Zambian First Lady Mutinta Hichilema. Their discussions focused on collaborative social development initiatives and community-based partnerships, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of the Ghana-Zambia relationship.

Despite the positive economic data presented in Zambia, the narrative faced scrutiny back home in Ghana. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Member of Parliament for Bantama, raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the reported 3.8% inflation rate. Speaking on Nhyria FM, the lawmaker asserted that the statistical decline does not align with the reality of market prices, which remain high for many citizens. As the “Reset Agenda” continues to be a focal point of Mahama’s domestic and international messaging, the government faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring that macroeconomic gains translate into visible relief and reduced costs of living for the Ghanaian populace.