President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to unite in building prosperity and inspiring hope as the nation marked its 69th Independence Anniversary on March 6.
Delivering the Independence Day address, the president said Ghana’s freedom, achieved in Ghana Independence, must continue to inspire responsible leadership, national discipline and collective effort toward development.
The celebration brought together dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, security chiefs and students.
Theme focuses on prosperity and hope
The president said this year’s celebration was held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” which he described as a commitment between government and citizens to pursue policies that improve livelihoods and restore confidence in the country’s future.
He said Ghana’s journey since independence has been shaped by the sacrifices of leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and other past heads of state who contributed to national development.
According to the president, Ghana’s democratic stability and peaceful transfers of power demonstrate the political maturity of the country.
“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully,” he said.
Economic recovery efforts
President Mahama said the government has taken steps to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence since assuming office.
He noted that inflation was declining, the national currency was stabilising and economic confidence was gradually returning.
The president also said the government had renegotiated debts to secure more sustainable repayment terms and redirect resources toward key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and job creation.
Anti-corruption drive
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, describing it as a major threat to national development.
According to him, corruption deprives the country of essential resources needed for public services.
“Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom without textbooks or a hospital without medicines,” he said.
He added that the government was strengthening anti-corruption institutions and ensuring that no individual is above the law.
Youth and economic reforms
President Mahama also addressed the youth, encouraging them to take advantage of digital opportunities and innovation.
He said government investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes and innovation hubs across cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi were aimed at preparing young people for the modern economy.
The president further announced that he had assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, which has now become law.
According to him, the initiative will allow businesses and industries to operate in multiple shifts, create thousands of jobs and boost productivity across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, security and transportation.
Women’s Development Bank
President Mahama also disclosed that the government was in the final stages of establishing a Women’s Development Bank, an initiative being spearheaded by Vice President Opoku-Agyemang.
He said the bank would provide financing and business support for women entrepreneurs, many of whom operate within the informal sector.
“When women succeed, families thrive and nations prosper,” the president said.
Ghana and Africa’s future
Touching on Ghana’s continental role, President Mahama said the country remains committed to advancing African economic integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is based in Accra.
He said the agreement represents a major opportunity for African economic growth and innovation.
As Ghana prepares to mark its 70th independence anniversary next year, the president urged citizens to work together toward a vision of a nation where education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities are accessible to all.
“Wherever you are and whatever you do, do your part with excellence,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity, patriotism and collective effort in building a prosperous Ghana.
“May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.”
Source :www.kumasimail.com
