President Mahama calls for unity, discipline as Ghana marks 69th Independence Anniversary
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to place the nation above political, ethnic and personal interests as the country marked its 69th Independence Anniversary.
Delivering the national address during the celebration today (March 6, 2026) at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President said the occasion was not merely ceremonial but a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a prosperous nation.
“As we mark our 69th Independence Anniversary, we do so under the theme ‘Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope.’ This theme is more than just ceremonial,” he said.
“It represents a covenant between government and the people — a solemn promise that every decision we make and every policy we implement must foster prosperity and renew hope for every Ghanaian.”
The President said the country’s independence struggle, led by Kwame Nkrumah, laid the foundation for Ghana’s democracy and continental vision.
He recalled the declaration by Dr Nkrumah at independence that “the battle has ended and Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever”.
“He also added that the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent,” the President noted.
Democratic maturity
President Mahama praised Ghana’s democratic credentials, saying the country had developed a culture of political tolerance and peaceful transitions of power.
“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred and to transfer power peacefully,” he said.
He added that successive administrations had all contributed to national development.
“Every administration, regardless of its political inclination, has played its part in building the nation we proudly call Ghana.”
Diaspora reconnection
The President also highlighted Ghana’s historic ties with the African diaspora, referencing the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
He noted that the dungeons at Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle remain reminders of the millions of Africans forcibly taken across the Middle Passage.
Yet, he said, those tragic events had also produced resilient communities across the world.
“The remarkable resilience, creativity and cultural brilliance of the African diaspora continue to influence the world today,” he said.
The President announced that Ghana would soon take steps internationally to seek historical justice.
“Later this month Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity,” he said.
According to him, the move would strengthen the global campaign for dignity, justice and restitution.
Discipline and patriotism
President Mahama urged citizens to demonstrate patriotism through everyday actions rather than rhetoric.
“Patriotism should extend beyond slogans. True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions,” he said.
He added that national development required discipline and integrity.
“Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility.”
The President stressed the need for unity in national development.
“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe and above personal interest.”
He said Ghana’s resilience over the past six decades showed the enduring spirit of its people.
“The journey has not always been smooth. We have stumbled and often felt disappointed in ourselves, but we have never given up.”
