Ghana’s envoy to Saudi Arabia touts Mahama government’s economic gains

Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has praised the John Dramani Mahama administration for what he described as significant improvements in the economy and infrastructure since returning to power.

Speaking during an engagement with Ghanaians in Saudi Arabia on Monday, September 21, 2026, the ambassador said the government inherited a difficult economic situation but had taken steps to stabilise the economy.

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He cited the performance of the cedi, interest rates and inflation as some of the areas where he said the government had made progress.

“We came in, as you know, the dollar was at 17 Ghana cents. And as of today, the dollar is around 11 point something. So you can see the kind of achievement that we made in trying to stabilise the currency,” he said.

He also claimed that interest rates, which he said were previously around 35% to 40%, had declined to between 17% and 18%.

On inflation, he said the government had managed to bring the rate down significantly.

“We've done so well as a government. In 20 months that we have been in government, we have not borrowed one single kubuk from the international community. One dollar was never borrowed from the international community,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted the government’s infrastructure plans, including road projects across the country.

He said the Accra-Cape Coast corridor and other major road connections were among projects being pursued, while every constituency was expected to benefit from inner-road development.

According to him, the government’s “Big Push” programme, which he said involves $10 million for each constituency, would support infrastructure development.

“And believe me, this 10 million dollars will never hold a penny for the international community. It was internally generated funds,” he said.

The ambassador further praised Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza for his commitment to supervising road projects.

He also defended the government’s approach to financial controls, saying contracts were subjected to scrutiny by the Ministry of Finance before approval.

He urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful about the country’s development prospects, predicting significant infrastructure transformation over the next four years.

“I'm telling you, we're going to be Dubai of Africa,” he said.

The ambassador also raised concerns about Ghanaian nationals serving prison sentences in Saudi Arabia, particularly those involved in drug-related offences.

He said about 59 Ghanaians were currently imprisoned under the jurisdiction of the Kivu Consulate, with most of the cases being drug-related.

He said sentences ranged from 15 to 45 years and urged Ghanaians to be cautious and avoid involvement in activities that could lead to serious legal consequences.

NA/AM