EDUCATE AFRICA INSTITUTE (EAI) EXPECTATIONS FOR SONA 2025
As President John Dramani Mahama prepares to deliver the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, the Educate Africa Institute (EAI), in its capacity as an education and policy think tank, outlines key expectations based on Ghana’s economic, governance, and social landscape. These areas are critical for national development and the well-being of the Ghanaian people.
1. Expected Outcomes from the National Economic Dialogue (NED):
Scheduled for March 3-4, 2025, the NED provides a platform to reassess Ghana’s $3 billion IMF program. Given the economic challenges facing the nation, EAI expects:
A clear renegotiation strategy for the IMF deal to reflect Ghana’s economic realities.
Policies aimed at sustainable job creation and economic growth.
Multi-sectoral stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusivity and economic stability.
2. Governance and Ministries Overview:
Good governance is pivotal for national progress. EAI anticipates:
A strategic plan for restructuring ministries to enhance efficiency and reduce excessive public spending.
Strengthening institutions to ensure effective policy implementation and accountability.
A commitment to decentralization to empower local governance structures.
3. Tackling Corruption:
Corruption remains a significant threat to national development. As an institution advocating for social justice, EAI expects:
Stronger anti-corruption policies with measurable outcomes.
Adequate resourcing and independence for anti-corruption agencies.
Institutional reforms that foster transparency and accountability in public service.
4. IMF Program and Economic Stability:
EAI recognizes the need for financial discipline and expects:
Pragmatic economic policies that minimize state expenditures while ensuring essential services.
A focus on industrialization and local enterprise development to reduce Ghana’s dependency on external funding.
Sustainable measures to address inflation and currency depreciation.
5. 24-Hour Economy:
To drive economic growth and job creation, EAI anticipates:
A well-structured policy framework to support a 24-hour economy.
Investment in infrastructure, security, and energy to facilitate around-the-clock economic activities.
Collaboration with the private sector to create employment opportunities across industries.
6. National Education Forum and Educational Reforms:
Education is a fundamental pillar for national development. EAI expects:
Comprehensive discussions on foundational learning, teacher training, and education infrastructure.
Integration of technology to modernize the education sector.
Government commitment to increasing educational funding for quality outcomes.
7. Education in General:
Beyond policy discussions, EAI calls for:
Immediate implementation of the new Senior High School curriculum that prioritizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Increased support for tertiary education and vocational training to align with industry demands.
Effective utilization of the $2.23 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education to strengthen systemic capacity and policy planning.
Conclusion:
These outlined expectations reflect a comprehensive and practical approach to addressing Ghana’s economic and educational challenges. EAI remains committed to advocating for policies that promote sustainable development and social justice.
Long live Ghana.
Signed:
William Boadi
Executive Director, EAI
Educationist, Political Analyst, and Social Worker
0541935106
Anthony Cobbinah
Director, Quality Assurance and Advocacy
0243679469
EAI: EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.