Ghana’s public debt hits GHS721bn; ECG owes GHS68bn, COCOBOD GHS32.5bn – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a stark assessment of Ghana’s economic situation, describing the nation as “broken on many fronts” due to staggering debt and financial mismanagement.

Presenting his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of his second term to Parliament in Accra on Thursday, February 27, he painted a grim picture of the country’s finances, pointing to unsustainable debt levels and mismanagement of key state institutions.

Mahama disclosed that Ghana’s public debt has soared to GHS721 billion, placing immense pressure on the country’s economy. He further highlighted the dire financial condition of major state-owned enterprises, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), both of which are struggling under heavy debt burdens.

“We are saddled with staggering debts and glaring signs of almost deliberate and, in some cases, reckless mismanagement of our resources,” Mahama stated.

“In addition to the public debt, which amounts to a staggering GHS721 billion, several state-owned enterprises are also in debt, including the ECG, which owes GHS68 billion.

Ghana COCOBOD, the hope of cocoa farmers, is highly indebted. Its balance sheet indicates a total debt of GHS32.5 billion, of which GHS9.7 billion is due to be paid by the end of September 2025.”

The president’s revelations underscore the severity of Ghana’s economic crisis, reinforcing the urgent need for financial restructuring and responsible governance to restore stability.