President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to pursue excellence, discipline and integrity in nation building as the country marks its 69th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking at the national celebration held at Jubilee House on March 6, President Mahama said the occasion was not only a time to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founders but also an opportunity for citizens to recommit to building prosperity and inspiring hope for future generations.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” was attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Terrance Michael Drew, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

President Mahama described the theme as a national covenant between government and citizens, stressing that every policy and decision must ultimately improve the lives of Ghanaians.

“Today we gather not just as witnesses to history, but as guardians of a legacy and architects of our shared destiny,” he said, adding that the colours of Ghana’s national flag—red, gold and green with the black star—symbolise the courage, wealth, natural heritage and enduring hope of the nation.

Honouring Ghana’s Founders

The President paid tribute to Ghana’s founding leader Kwame Nkrumah, whose declaration on March 6, 1957 ushered Ghana into independence and inspired liberation movements across Africa.

He recalled Nkrumah’s historic statement that Ghana’s independence would be meaningless unless linked to the total liberation of the African continent, describing the vision as one that continues to influence Ghana’s foreign policy and continental commitments.

President Mahama also acknowledged the contributions of past national leaders, including Kofi Abrefa Busia, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, Jerry John Rawlings and John Evans Atta Mills, noting that each administration has contributed to shaping 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 stated.

Reconnecting With the Diaspora

President Mahama welcomed the participation of Prime Minister Drew, describing it as symbolic of the deep historical and cultural ties between Ghana and the Caribbean.

He referenced the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, pointing to the slave dungeons of Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle as reminders of the millions of Africans taken across the Atlantic.

Despite that tragic history, he said the African diaspora has demonstrated remarkable resilience and cultural influence across the world.

As part of efforts to pursue historical justice, President Mahama announced that Ghana will soon submit a motion at the United Nations seeking to declare slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crimes against humanity.

Resetting Ghana’s Economy and Governance

President Mahama reiterated his government’s commitment to “resetting Ghana,” explaining that the initiative goes beyond addressing immediate economic challenges to transforming governance, production and the distribution of national wealth.

According to him, government policies over the past year have focused on stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and strengthening fiscal discipline.

He said inflation is gradually declining, the local currency is stabilising and confidence in the Ghanaian economy is improving following debt restructuring efforts and renewed investments in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and job creation.

However, he stressed that national renewal must also involve moral and institutional reforms.

“Corruption erodes the very foundation of our nation,” he said, adding that every stolen public resource deprives citizens of essential services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.

He pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and ensure that no individual is above the law.

Opportunities for Youth

Addressing young people, the President acknowledged both their potential and frustrations, noting that technological advancements have created unprecedented opportunities for learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He said government is investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes and innovation hubs across major cities including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho and Koforidua.

He urged the youth to embrace discipline and excellence, stressing that the future belongs to those who prepare themselves for it.

Key Policy Announcements

President Mahama announced that he has assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, describing it as a major reform aimed at boosting productivity and expanding employment opportunities.

Under the policy, businesses will be encouraged to operate in multiple shifts while factories and service providers run around the clock, potentially creating thousands of jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, security and transportation.

He also revealed that government is in the final stages of establishing a Women’s Development Bank, an initiative being championed by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to provide financing and mentorship for women-led businesses.

“Our women entrepreneurs have long been the backbone of Ghana’s informal economy,” he said. “When women succeed, families thrive and nations prosper.”

Ghana and Africa’s Future

President Mahama emphasised that Ghana’s future is closely tied to the broader development of Africa, pointing to the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra.

With Africa’s population projected to exceed 1.4 billion and possessing the world’s youngest workforce, he said economic integration will be key to unlocking the continent’s full potential.

Looking ahead to Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary next year, President Mahama called for a renewed national vision—one where no child goes hungry, healthcare and education are accessible, and opportunities are based on merit rather than connections.

He also envisioned a Ghana that produces what it consumes, protects its forests and environment, and remains digitally connected from Aflao to Hamile.

“Ghana’s progress cannot rely solely on the leadership of the President,” he concluded. “It will depend on every citizen doing their part with excellence—for Ghana, for Africa, and for the generations yet unborn.”