President John Mahama has described the 5.3% growth recorded in Ghana’s economy during the first quarter of 2025 as a positive sign.

Speaking during a courtesy call by members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), he stated that his government remains committed to ensuring economic stability across all sectors and delivering prosperity to every Ghanaian.

Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, announced the GDP figures in Accra earlier this week and also expressed optimism regarding the economy’s trajectory.

He noted that the first quarter performance indicates a rebound, as the 5.3% growth represents an improvement on the 4.9% recorded during the same period in 2024.

In response to the Statistician’s report, President Mahama acknowledged the challenges Ghana has faced in the past, saying: “In the past, fiscal indiscipline has thrown the macro-economy off balance, creating instability, a depreciating currency, and other challenges,” President Mahama remarked. “This affects all of us, as it impacts our quality and standard of living.”

He stressed that a healthier macroeconomic environment offers greater predictability to investors and business people, allowing them to plan more effectively.

“An appreciating and stable currency also improves our earnings. It is in our interest that the macro economy is stable, our currency is stable, and our economy is growing and delivering prosperity for our people,” he added.

Commenting further on the GDP figures, the President said: “The first quarter results have come in at around 5.4%, which indicates that the economy is returning to a normal growth path. This should be viewed as a good sign for us. If we close the year with a growth rate of around 5%, it would mean the economy is expanding rather than contracting. We will continue to focus on this to ensure stability across all sectors and greater prosperity for our citizens.”

He also addressed issues concerning education, particularly the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).

He expressed concern over what he described as the sidelining of PTAs in recent years and emphasised the need for their full reinstatement.

“I was scandalised by the way PTAs have been marginalised and not allowed to be part of school management, particularly at the secondary level,” he said. “The global trend is to grant communities a voice in how their schools are run, and Ghana should be no exception.”

Touching on findings from the recent Education Forum, the President highlighted the importance of decentralisation in achieving better educational outcomes.

“When the review report was presented to me, one of the key issues raised was decentralisation—and I believe that is the right direction,” he said. “It is much easier for the Ghana Education Service to supervise and monitor schools at the district level than from the centre. This will be one of the areas we engage with you on.”

He concluded by saying “I firmly believe PTA participation must be fully restored. PTAs must work alongside teachers and school administrators to ensure our schools are well managed and our children receive quality teaching and learning outcomes.”