The outgoing President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated that serving the country for the past eight years has been the greatest honour of his life.

In his last end-of-year message to the public, the president, who will hand over power to Mr John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress next week, said, “Serving you has been the greatest honour of my life.”

He explained that he does not see himself solely as a leader but as a Ghanaian who is humbled by the trust the people have placed in him.

“I stand before you not just as a leader, but as a fellow Ghanaian humbled by the trust you have placed in me,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo expressed that he would forever cherish his journey as the nation’s president, particularly highlighting the various initiatives he has introduced, including the Free Senior High School programme.

He also mentioned the significant improvements in the country’s health, telecommunications, and agriculture sectors during his tenure.

The president encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the opportunities “that lie before us” in the new year, with a special emphasis on the youth to “dream big and work hard.”

The president urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful for the coming year stating that Ghana's economy is rebounding due to the effective measures undertaken by the outgoing government.

He said this was evident not just in statistics but in real life-changing stories. He said the 7.2% growth rate achieved in the third quarter of 2024 confirms the strong recovery.

He noted that progress has been made despite the challenges the government and the people of Ghana faced.

"Our economy is rebounding impressively as demonstrated by the remarkable 7.2% growth achieved in the Q3 of 2024, with the year’s growth rate projected at 6.8%.

“These achievements are not just numbers or statistics. They are stories of life changed and futures made brighter. But I also acknowledge the challenges we have faced. The road has not always been smooth, and there have been times of difficulty and sacrifice.”

“The post-COVID-19 years have tested us to our limit, but it also reminded us of who we are, a people who rise together no matter the odds.”

The outgoing President urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful as they embrace the New Year, 2025.

“As we step into 2025, I encourage us all to hold on to the hope that’s carried us this far.”