His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that import duties on agro-processing machinery would soon be scrapped.

It forms part of strategic incentives to provide support for Ghana's growing agribusiness sector.

“This will help to lower costs and incentivize investment in local processing. It will enhance access to technology, improve efficiency, and stimulate private sector participation,” he said.

President Mahama also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Made-in-Ghana goods, disclosing that the 24-hour+ Economy Secretariat is currently compiling a list of domestically manufactured products, including agro-processed goods.

During the launch of the National Agribusiness Dialogue at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, the President said, “Because the government is the biggest spender in the economy, those products would be given priority in case of any procurement by any government agency.”

“It’s only when they cannot find a product that is manufactured in Ghana that they would be permitted to buy a foreign product.”

The President has assured Ghanaian workers of his unwavering commitment to their welfare, promising to establish a system that empowers them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national transformation.

In a Facebook message marking this year’s Labour Day, Mahama reiterated his appreciation for the efforts of Ghanaian workers, pledging to “create a supportive environment that allows you to thrive and help Reset Ghana.”

Recognising the importance of the 2024 May Day theme—“Striving for peace and stability to drive industrialisation, trade, and decent work for social justice”—he stressed that Ghana’s progress depends on policies that promote sustainable development and guarantee fair working conditions.

“You are the engine of our economy,” Mahama noted. “The builders of our infrastructure, and the innovators who propel us forward.”

He highlighted key government interventions introduced in the last four months to stabilise the economy, stimulate industrial growth, and enhance employment opportunities. According to him, these initiatives are geared towards adding value to raw materials and boosting light industries and manufacturing.

President Mahama explained that improving trade relations at both regional and international levels remains a priority, with the 24-hour economy at the heart of his strategy to open new markets for Ghanaian products and services.

He also reaffirmed his 120-day social contract with Ghanaians, which includes a strong focus on decent work. “This means fair wages, safe working conditions, opportunities for training and skills development, and the protection of workers’ rights,” he stated.

This comes in fulfiment of his word in 2023 where he vowed that farmers across the country will have their needs met and concerns addressed in his administration.

Being the 2024 NDC flagbearer at the time, he said he will "prioritise their welfare and work tirelessly to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to thrive."

He continued: "Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we will continue to invest in their success."

President Mahama made this known in December 2023 while the country commemorated farmers for their efforts in ensuring food security in the country.

As part of his message shared on his Facebook wall, he encouraged farmers across the country to take a leap of faith and ready themselves to jump onto the NDC's 24-hour economy programme that would change the agriculture industry for the better.

Referencing recent job creation initiatives, Mahama cited the launch of the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Adwumawura initiative, and the One Million Coders programme, describing them as strategic tools to secure meaningful employment for the youth.

The president acknowledged the country’s economic hurdles, including inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about Ghana’s future and vowed to confront these challenges directly.

He further emphasized investments in education, skills training, and critical infrastructure such as roads and energy to ensure long-term development and prosperity.

In his closing remarks, the former president urged both employers and employees to embrace cooperation and shared responsibility. “Let us work together to create a more prosperous and equitable Ghana,” he said. “Happy Workers’ Day!”

The Presidency has also announced a withdrawal of the payment of fuel allowance allocation to all political appointees.

This forms part of the government's efforts to cut expenditure as part of its reset agenda to push funds into what it describes as "priority areas".

The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 15, in an official statement from the presidency signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

"President John Dramani Mahama has, effective immediately, directed the cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocation of fuel to all political appointees. The directive forms part of a broader curb in government expenditure aimed at cutting costs and channelling public funds into priority areas".

President Mahama believes the appointees and officials should also "bear their part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make".

Among such sacrifices the government has asked the people to make include the need to embrace civic duty, reduce waste, and support national development efforts through community engagement and responsible consumption.

It will be recalled that in May 2024, President Mahama announced plans to scrap allowances and suspend the payment of bills for officials, citing accountability and equality in the distribution of the national cake.

President Mahama explained that this move is aimed at saving the country money and that high-profile officials should pay their utility bills like every other citizen.

He stated, "We will discontinue the payment of utility bills, fuel, DSTV, etc., as conditions of service for top government officials, directors, and the political class. We believe that people should be responsible for paying their own electricity and water bills, just as every other Ghanaian does."

"Unless you are using a government vehicle or are on a government assignment, you should purchase your fuel if you are using your car.. We are going to put an end to that".

One of the key highlights about the President Mahama led government is its commitment to cut cost and expenditure.

Since its administration began, it has implemented key cost-cutting policies, such as ordering the discontinuation of all DSTV and other satellite TV subscription payments at the Jubilee House.

This is reported to potentially save over GH₵120,000–GH₵240,000 in a year, assuming multiple offices at Jubilee House were subscribed, depending on the number of accounts and packages.oa year, this could translate to GH₵120,000–GH₵240,000 in savings—just from the presidency alone.

Other cost-cutting decisions also include a reduction in government size, where he reduced the number of ministers to 56, four short of his 60-minister cap.