At 69, Ghana must stay united — Mahama calls for discipline and patriotism
Politics
2 months ago
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>The President said the country’s independence struggle, led by Kwame Nkrumah, laid the foundation for Ghana’s democracy and continental vision.</p><p>He recalled the declaration by Dr Nkrumah at independence that “the battle has ended and Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever”.</p><p>“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.</p><p>Democratic maturity</p><p>President Mahama praised Ghana’s democratic credentials, saying the country had developed a culture of political tolerance and peaceful transitions of power.</p><p>Japan Motors<br>“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred and to transfer power peacefully,” he said.</p><p>He added that successive administrations had all contributed to national development.</p><p>“Every administration, regardless of its political inclination, has played its part in building the nation we proudly call Ghana.”</p><p>Diaspora reconnection</p><p>The President also highlighted Ghana’s historic ties with the African diaspora, referencing the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.</p><p>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.</p><p>Yet, he said, those tragic events had also produced resilient communities across the world.</p><p>“The remarkable resilience, creativity and cultural brilliance of the African diaspora continue to influence the world today,” he said.</p><p>The President announced that Ghana would soon take steps internationally to seek historical justice.</p><p>“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.</p><p>According to him, the move would strengthen the global campaign for dignity, justice and restitution.</p><p>Discipline and patriotism</p><p>President Mahama urged citizens to demonstrate patriotism through everyday actions rather than rhetoric.</p><p>“Patriotism should extend beyond slogans. True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions,” he said.</p><p>He added that national development required discipline and integrity.</p><p>“Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility.”</p><p>The President stressed the need for unity in national development.</p><p>“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe and above personal interest.”</p><p>He said Ghana’s resilience over the past six decades showed the enduring spirit of its people.</p><p>“The journey has not always been smooth. We have stumbled and often felt disappointed in ourselves, but we have never given up.”</p>
source: Graphiconline.com
