President John Dramani Mahama has announced that more than one million jobs have been created in Ghana and that almost one million people have moved out of poverty since his government took office, highlighting these figures during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament. The address took place on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the country’s legislative chamber.
In outlining his administration’s achievements, President Mahama said employment growth has been a key focus of his economic agenda, pointing to large numbers of new jobs generated across both formal and informal sectors. He noted that opportunities in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, services and small-business support have helped stimulate hiring and income growth for many families across Ghana.
Mahama further stated that government interventions aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expanding access to credit and encouraging private investment were central to the employment gains. He said that policies designed to support youth entrepreneurs and young graduates entering the workforce were particularly impactful.
On poverty reduction, the president said data from national economic indicators show that nearly one million people have risen above the poverty line over the past few years. He attributed this improvement to several combined efforts, including increased economic activity, improved social support programmes and investments in education and skills training.
Mahama said poverty alleviation has remained a priority and mentioned programmes that target vulnerable communities with basic services, skills empowerment, and rural development initiatives. He said rising household income levels and stronger market participation by previously marginalised groups are tangible outcomes of these efforts.
The president’s speech also touched on broader economic indicators such as inflation trends, revenue mobilisation and efforts to strengthen Ghana’s business environment. He used the platform to reassure Ghanaians about the direction of the economy and to outline plans for sustained growth and employment creation in the year ahead.
Opposition lawmakers listened and responded with mixed reactions, with some expressing support for job creation claims while others questioned the figures and implementation of specific policies. The address sparked lively discussion both inside Parliament and among observers on social media and broadcast platforms.
