On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched Ghana’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s progress on all 17 SDGs. Highlighting key initiatives, achievements, challenges, and opportunities for accelerated action.
In his remarks, President Mahama commended the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) for its thorough work in coordinating and compiling the report. He emphasised the need to further disaggregate the findings to make the data more accessible and actionable for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), to ensure that local development priorities are aligned with national goals.
The President noted Ghana’s steady economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out that GDP grew from 0.5 percent in 2020 to 5.7 percent in 2024, driven mainly by growth in the industry and services sectors. He stated, “Economic growth in recent years has demonstrated the strength of Ghana’s institutions and the enduring spirit of its people’’.
He further highlighted macroeconomic stability gains, noting that “Inflation continues to decline and the cedi has appreciated significantly against the US dollar in the first half of 2025. This, he said, has contributed to a more stable macroeconomic environment that supports business activity and household welfare.
Addressing persistent social challenges, President Mahama expressed concern over Ghana’s multidimensional poverty rate of 41.3 percent, particularly in rural and northern parts of the country. He also drew attention to high youth unemployment and warned that limited economic diversification and dependence on a narrow export base continue to make the country vulnerable to external shocks.
On health, he described the country’s maternal mortality rate, exceeding 300 deaths per 100,000 live births, as a “silent emergency”, noting that it remains more than four times higher than the SDG target. He called for urgent improvements in antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and access to maternal health services, especially in underserved communities.
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating SDGs progress, citing the “Big Push” initiative, which seeks to mobilise over US$10 billion for large-scale infrastructure development. He stressed that such investments must generate decent jobs for Ghanaians, enhance local capacity, and support sustainable economic transformation.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of NDPC and Special Advisor to the President on the SDGs, provided a detailed overview of the VNR. He called for sustained efforts to build on the gains made, while urging immediate action to tackle pressing challenges in healthcare, sanitation, and gender inequality. Dr. Thompson commended President Mahama for his leadership and expressed optimism that Ghana would act decisively on the recommendations.

Representatives from the United Nations, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), the Ghana Civil Society Organisations Platform on the SDGs, and the Private Enterprise Federation delivered solidarity messages, reaffirming their continued support for Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.