This, he said would allow skilled Ghanaian workers to work abroad for specified periods to gain experience and also contribute their quota to other countries.

"Ghana is finalising bilateral labour agreements with key partners to address the needs of vulnerable labour migrant workers and promote ethical recruitment," President Mahama stated in his address to Members of the Diplomatic Community in Ghana at the 2025 Exchange of New Year
Greetings, the first since his assumption of office on the 7th of January, for a second term in office.

"We are also in the process of finalising additional agreements to enhance protection and support for migrants. The President said this formal gathering with Members of the Diplomatic Corps represented a renewed hope for partnership and promise of new beginnings as we step into the year 2025.

"On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to nurturing the bonds of friendship, cooperation and goodwill that exist between Ghana and your respective countries," he said.

President Mahama said his Government was fully committed to addressing the significant macroeconomic and social challenges they faced as a country for the benefit of their citizens.
He said the domestic challenges existed within a global context that required a careful navigation of geopolitical dynamics.

"We remain steadfast in promoting dialogue and cooperation among nations to meet the challenges collectively. The world is interlinked, and the obstacles we encounter are not confined within our borders," the President said.
He said they required a unified response rooted in solidarity and cooperation.

"In Ghana, we are committed to promoting a 24-hour economy aimed at creating an environment where businesses can operate around the clock," President Mahama said.

He the initiative sought to maximise economic productivity and infrastructure utilisation while generating sustainable employment opportunities across multiple shifts.
He said key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction and transport services would greatly benefit from this policy, leading to a thriving economy that works for everyone and not a select few.

"We recognise the vital role of export development as a key driver of economic growth. We will accelerate export development aimed at boosting export capacity and market accessibility."

The President said the Government would establish the Accelerated Exports Development Programme, which he had committed to personally chair.

He said the Government was also committed to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises with technology to efficiently leverage the African continental free trade area.
He reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to social development and acknowledged that the diaspora remained an invaluable asset to the nation.

The President said they were dedicated to strengthening their connection with Ghanaians abroad and people of African descent worldwide, and friends of Ghana wherever they may be.

He said Migration, if properly managed, could benefit migrant workers, their communities and their countries of destination and origin.
He noted that however, migrant workers were often at risk of exploitation, abuse and exclusion with limited access to social protection benefits.