President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s solidarity with Kenya and renewed calls for Africa’s economic independence, transparent leadership, and deeper Pan-African cooperation during Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Speaking at the commemorative event, President Mahama conveyed warm greetings from the people of Ghana to President William Ruto and the people of Kenya, describing the occasion as a moment of shared pride and reflection for the African continent.
“I bring you greetings from the people of Ghana and to say that on this day, your 62nd Jamhuri Day, the people of Ghana are in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Kenya,” President Mahama said, while also acknowledging Kenya’s First Lady.
The Ghanaian leader paid tribute to Africa’s founding fathers, noting that the sacrifices of those who fought for independence must never be taken for granted. He highlighted the historic bond between Ghana and Kenya, forged by their first leaders.
“The friendship between our independence leaders, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah, has become an enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together,” he stated.
President Mahama stressed that while Africa’s forebears secured political independence, the present generation of leaders carries the responsibility of achieving economic freedom and prosperity for their people.
“Our forebears won us political independence. It is the responsibility of our current generation of African leadership to win economic independence and prosperity for our people,” he said.
Addressing the continent’s structural challenges, President Mahama criticised the global economic system, which he said disadvantages Africa by confining it to the export of raw materials.
“Africa faces many challenges, including a global order that is rigged against it—systems that make us suppliers of unprocessed raw materials and importers of finished products,” he noted.
He called for a decisive shift towards value addition, fair compensation for natural resources, accountable governance, and youth empowerment.
“The time has come for us to add value to Africa’s exports. The time has come for us to claim a fairer share of our natural resource endowments,” President Mahama said.
“The time has come for us to provide transparent and accountable leadership, and to unleash the creativity and energies of our young people.”
On regional integration, the President urged African countries to deepen intra-African trade and fully commit to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We must increase trade amongst ourselves until we commend the protocol on the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he emphasized.
President Mahama also praised Kenya’s role in global Pan-African solidarity, particularly its intervention in Haiti, describing it as a gesture that reflects Africa’s responsibility to its diaspora.
“I wish to express the sincerest appreciation of the people of Ghana to the people of Kenya for your timely intervention in Haiti to bring relief to the long-suffering people of Haiti,” he said.
In the same spirit, he announced Ghana’s own contribution to regional solidarity, revealing that troops from the 48th Engineers Regiment are being deployed to assist Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The President further commended Kenya’s standing within the African Union and the international community, wishing the country continued success.
“Kenya continues to be a respected member of the African Union and other international bodies, and so Ghana wishes Kenya well on this very auspicious occasion,” he said.
In a solemn moment, President Mahama offered condolences on the passing of veteran Kenyan statesman Raila Odinga, extending sympathies on behalf of all Ghanaians.
“Accept my personal condolence and the sympathy of all Ghanaians on the passing of a great statesman, Mzee Raila Odinga. May God grant him peaceful rest,” he said.
President Mahama concluded with a message of unity and shared destiny, declaring: “Long live Kenya, long live Africa, and long live Kenya–Ghana relations.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
