President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to unite in discipline, patriotism and hard work to build a prosperous nation as the country marked its 69th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, March 6.
Delivering the national address at the Independence Day celebration, President Mahama said the anniversary was not only a commemoration of Ghana’s freedom but also a moment for citizens to renew their commitment to the country’s future.
“On this sacred day, the 6th of March, we gather once again to commemorate the freedom that our forebears won for us 69 years ago.
We stand here not just as witnesses to history, but as guardians of a legacy and architects of our shared destiny,” he said.
The President noted that this year’s theme, “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” reflects a national commitment to improve the lives of all citizens.
“This theme is more than ceremonial. It represents a covenant between government and the governed that every decision we make must foster prosperity and renew hope for every Ghanaian,” he stated.
Honouring Ghana’s Founding Leaders
President Mahama paid tribute to Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah, whose declaration of independence in 1957 inspired liberation movements across Africa.
“Sixty-nine years ago, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed to the world that ‘at long last the battle has ended and Ghana is free forever.’ He reminded us that Ghana’s independence would be meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa,” he said.
The President also acknowledged past leaders who have contributed to Ghana’s development, including Kofi Abrefa Busia, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully,” he added.
Strengthening Diaspora Ties
The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, whose presence President Mahama described as symbolic of Ghana’s reconnection with the African diaspora.
“Our engagements represent more than diplomacy. They signify a historic reconnection between Ghana and our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean branches of the same ancestral tree,” he noted.
President Mahama further revealed that Ghana would soon submit a motion at the United Nations to declare slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity.
Economic Reset and Governance Reforms
President Mahama said his administration was implementing policies to reset the economy, restore investor confidence and improve fiscal discipline.
“Inflation is declining, the local currency is stabilising, and confidence in the Ghanaian economy is gradually returning,” he said.
He stressed that the reset agenda also involves strengthening accountability and fighting corruption.
“Corruption erodes the very foundation of our nation.
Every cedi stolen from the public purse represents a classroom robbed of textbooks, a hospital without medicines and a road left uncompleted,” the President stated.
24-Hour Economy Law
In a major announcement, President Mahama disclosed that he had assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, which has now become law.“This historic reform will boost Ghana’s productivity.
Businesses will be incentivised to run multiple shifts, factories will operate around the clock and services will become more accessible,” he said.
The initiative, according to him, is expected to create thousands of jobs across sectors including manufacturing, logistics and transportation.
Women’s Development Bank
The President also announced that government is in the final stages of establishing a Women’s Development Bank, a policy spearheaded by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
“Our women entrepreneurs have historically been the backbone of Ghana’s informal economy, yet many face barriers to affordable credit,” he said.
“When women succeed, families thrive and nations prosper.”
Message to the Youth
President Mahama urged young people to take advantage of digital technology and emerging opportunities.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” he said, adding that government was investing in digital infrastructure, innovation hubs and entrepreneurship programmes across the country.
Looking Ahead to Ghana’s 70th Anniversary
As Ghana approaches its 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027, the President said the country must renew its national vision of inclusive development.
“A Ghana where no child goes to bed hungry, where education is empowering, healthcare is accessible, and opportunity is determined by merit and not connections,” he said.
President Mahama concluded by urging citizens to contribute to national development.
“Wherever you are and whatever you do, do it with excellence. Do it for Ghana, for Africa and for the generations yet unborn,” he said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
