Place Ghana above personal interests — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to place the nation above personal, tribal and partisan interests as the country marked its 69th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to renew their commitment to discipline, integrity and patriotism in building a prosperous future.

Delivering the national address at the Independence Day Celebration Parade held at the Forecourt of the Presidency in Accra, the President stressed that Ghana’s development would require collective sacrifice and a renewed sense of national responsibility.

“Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” he declared. “We must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests.”

The ceremony, held on the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” brought together top political leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities, clergy, security service chiefs, students and civil society groups.

The special guest of honour was Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, who attended with his wife, Diani Jinesha Prince-Drew.

Also present were First Lady Lordina Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Renewed call for discipline and integrity

In his address, President Mahama emphasised the need to restore discipline in national life and strengthen a culture of integrity in public service.

“We must foster a national culture of integrity, where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he said.

According to him, independence had granted Ghana freedom, but that freedom must be accompanied by responsibility and respect for national values.

He stressed the need for discipline in managing public resources, obeying the law and treating fellow citizens with respect.

“Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility,” he added.

The President said patriotism must go beyond slogans and be demonstrated through everyday actions.

“True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions — the citizen who protects public property, the public servant who treats every Ghanaian with respect, and the entrepreneur who invests in Ghana’s future,” he said.

Vision for Ghana’s future

President Mahama outlined an ambitious vision for Ghana as the nation approaches its 70th Independence Anniversary next year.

He described a future Ghana where no child goes to bed hungry, education is accessible and empowering, healthcare is affordable and infrastructure is world-class.

He also spoke of a Ghana that produces what it consumes, where opportunities are based on merit rather than connections and where digital connectivity spans the entire country from Aflao to Hamile.

“A Ghana that preserves its forests and environment for future generations,” he added.

The President said achieving this vision was possible but would require the active participation of all citizens.

“Ghana’s progress cannot rely solely on my leadership,” he said. “It will depend on every citizen doing their part.”

He urged citizens to perform their roles with excellence, not only for Ghana but also for Africa and future generations.

Encouragement for the youth

President Mahama devoted part of his address to encouraging young people, acknowledging both their potential and the challenges they face.

“To the young people of this country, I see you, I hear you, and I believe in your potential,” he said.

He noted that modern technology had placed unprecedented opportunities in the hands of the youth.

“In your hands, a smartphone can become a classroom, a business platform, a creative studio and a gateway to the global economy,” he said.

However, he emphasised that success would depend on discipline, resilience and a commitment to excellence.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” he advised.

The President said the government was investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes and innovation hubs across the country — from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho and Koforidua — to support young innovators.

He also highlighted reforms in the education sector and the expansion of internship and apprenticeship programmes to better prepare students for the job market.

Economic reforms and development initiatives

President Mahama used the occasion to highlight key government initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and employment.

He announced that he had assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, which he said would promote productivity by enabling businesses and industries to operate around the clock.

The initiative, he explained, would allow factories to run multiple shifts and make services more accessible to citizens.

“This initiative will enable us to optimise the use of our national infrastructure and establish Ghana as a competitive industrial hub,” he said.

He added that the programme was expected to create about 1,000 new jobs in sectors including manufacturing, logistics, transportation and security.

 

The President also revealed that the government was in the final stages of establishing a Women’s Development Bank to provide financial support and business assistance to women entrepreneurs.

Honouring Ghana’s history

President Mahama paid tribute to Ghana’s founding leaders, particularly Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957.

He acknowledged the contributions of successive leaders who had helped shape Ghana’s democratic journey.

“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred and to transfer power peacefully,” he said.

The President also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the African diaspora, noting the historic ties between Ghana and Caribbean nations.

He disclosed that Ghana would later this month submit a motion at the United Nations seeking recognition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crimes against humanity.

Colourful national ceremony

The Independence Day celebration featured a ceremonial parade by the Ghana Armed Forces, inspection of the guard of honour by the President and various cultural and patriotic performances by students.

Participating schools included St John Bosco School, Ministry of Health Basic School, Labone Senior High School and Agbogbloshie Basic School.

Students performed patriotic songs, poetry recitals and traditional drum appellations, while a military band provided musical displays.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the lighting of the Perpetual Flame, symbolising Ghana’s enduring spirit of freedom, unity and resilience.

Celebrating academic excellence

President Mahama also congratulated 52 students who received the President’s Independence Day Award for outstanding performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The awards ceremony, organised by the Presidency, was held earlier at the Accra International Conference Centre, where Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang presented the honours.

He also commended Keta Secondary Technical School for winning the 69th Independence Day Quiz Competition and congratulated winners of the National Debates Competition.

“All of you represent the promise of Ghana’s future,” he told the students.

Renewing the national mission

Reflecting on Ghana’s journey since independence, President Mahama acknowledged that the country had faced setbacks but had always demonstrated resilience.

“Sixty-nine years ago our nation was born in hope, and together we gather here this morning to renew that hope,” he said.

“The journey has not always been smooth. We have stumbled and often felt disappointed in ourselves, but we have never given up.”

He urged Ghanaians to treat the anniversary not only as a celebration but as a renewed commitment to national development.

“Today we celebrate how far we have come,” he said. “And when we leave here tomorrow, we must commit ourselves to how far we will go.”

The national celebration concluded with plans for a fireworks display at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle later in the evening as part of activities marking Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary.