On January 1, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama delivered his New Year’s message to the nation from the Jubilee House in Accra, reflecting on the progress made in his administration’s first year in office (following the 2024 elections) and outlining an ambitious vision for the year ahead.

The President declared that Ghana is “rising again” after inheriting a nation in economic distress in January 2025.

He highlighted achievements such as sharp reductions in inflation (projected to end 2025 in single digits around 5%), relative currency stability, restored business confidence, and prudent debt renegotiations, all under the government’s Reset Agenda.

A central theme was national unity. President Mahama passionately urged Ghanaians to transcend partisan divisions, stating:
“There is no NPP Ghana. There is no NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana.”

He called for rejecting divisive politics, embracing mutual respect, and focusing on collective nation-building, emphasizing that “we are one people with a shared destiny” and that the Reset is for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

Looking to 2026, Mahama unveiled a bold roadmap for accelerated reforms and development, including:

• Strengthening social protection and universal health coverage via free primary healthcare.
• Economic transformation through job creation, agricultural mechanization, and value addition.
• Affordable social housing via public-private partnerships.
• 30% renewable energy in the national mix to reduce costs and promote sustainability.
• Intensified anti-corruption efforts with “no sacred cows.”
• Implementation of Constitutional Review Committee recommendations to deepen democracy.
• Continued digitalization in education and infrastructure improvements.

The address positioned 2026 as a year of scaling up initiatives for inclusive growth, accountability, and positioning Ghana as a leader in African democratic renewal through initiatives like the Accra Reset Initiative presented at the UN.

The message resonated widely, with analysts noting its focus on governance reset and shared responsibility, concluding with a call for hope, prosperity, peace, and progress in 2026.

Renowned Ghanaian prophet Nigel Gaisie has declared during his church’s 31st-night crossover service on December 31, 2025 (into January 1, 2026), that Ghana’s Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He stated confidently: “The Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 World Cup,” envisioning a historic performance for the team in the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

This comes as Ghana is drawn in a tough Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama, and is set for their fifth World Cup appearance after qualifying.

The prophecy has generated buzz across Ghanaian media and social platforms, with many fans excited about the prospect of glory—especially after past disappointments like early exits in 2014 and 2022.

The big questions

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has consistently warned religious leaders against delivering prophecies that cause fear, alarm, or panic during crossover (31st-night) services, a policy in place for several years under Ghanaian law (e.g., offenses related to false publications or misleading communications, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment).

While no new explicit police statement was issued specifically for December 31, 2025, the longstanding caution remains in effect.

This was reinforced through actions like the arrest of self-proclaimed prophet Evans Eshun (aka Ebo Noah) on December 31, 2025, for his doomsday flood predictions that caused widespread public panic.

Evans Eshun (aka Ebo Noah)

Additionally, the National Peace Council urged prophets in late December 2025 to deliver messages “tactfully” and measurably to avoid disturbing public peace.

Regarding Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy about the Black Stars reaching the 2026 World Cup final (delivered during his 31st-night service), it appears to have been a positive, hopeful declaration rather than one inducing fear. Such uplifting prophecies typically do not fall under the police’s primary concerns, which focus on doom, death, or disaster predictions.

No reports indicate police action against Nigel Gaisie for this specific prophecy. He has historically pushed back against such warnings, often proceeding with his declarations (sometimes in coded form in past years).

On December 17, 2025, Ghana deployed a contingent of 54 military engineers from the Ghana Armed Forces (primarily from the 48th or 14th Engineer Regiment, depending on reports) to Jamaica to assist with reconstruction efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Key Details

• The deployment was announced and carried out at the request of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, after discussions with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
• The engineers are tasked with rebuilding critical infrastructure (roads, shelters, public facilities), clearing debris, setting up temporary shelters (including tent cities), and providing technical and logistical support.
• Transportation was provided by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft, carrying the personnel and over 65,000 pounds of equipment from Accra to Kingston.
• This mission highlights Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean solidarity, building on Ghana’s earlier shipment of humanitarian aid (food, rice, blankets, medicines) to Jamaica and other affected countries.

Background on Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic Category 5 storm that made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, with sustained winds up to 185 mph (297 km/h). It was the strongest hurricane on record to hit Jamaica (surpassing Hurricane Gilbert in 1988) and one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever.

• It caused widespread destruction, killing at least 45 people in Jamaica (with total regional deaths over 100, including in Haiti and Cuba).
• Damage in Jamaica is estimated at $8.8–10 billion USD, affecting homes, hospitals, agriculture, and infrastructure, displacing hundreds of thousands.

This deployment represents Ghana’s growing role in international humanitarian response and South-South cooperation.