BTA2023 On the occasion of Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to reflect on the nation’s journey as an independent state.
Speaking at the national parade held at the forecourt of the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama emphasized that Independence Day serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for freedom and an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for self-rule.
“This celebration reinforces our national identity, unity, and patriotism, while providing a moment to assess our progress and the challenges ahead,” he stated. “It allows us to learn from our history and chart a new path for development.”
The President reflected on the vision of Ghana’s first leader, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who aspired to build an industrialized, self-reliant nation with a strong economy and a deep sense of patriotism. However, he noted that this vision was disrupted by the 1966 military and police coup, an event now widely acknowledged as having been orchestrated with the backing of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
“That moment in history marked one of the darkest chapters in our national journey, setting Ghana back and delaying our progress toward true independence and economic self-sufficiency,” he remarked.
A Call for Action Over Rhetoric
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to use independence anniversaries not just to celebrate but to reflect on how national resources are managed for future generations.
“Our story cannot be one of missed opportunities,” he stated. “We must strive to achieve far more than we can currently boast of. Posterity will not accept our failures.”
He highlighted the persistent challenges of economic dependency, including reliance on imports, donor aid, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailouts, describing them as a contradiction to the nation’s quest for true independence.
“We cannot proclaim self-reliance while continuously seeking external assistance. Real independence requires action, not just rhetoric,” he asserted.
Economic Recovery and the 24-Hour Economy Initiative
To address these economic challenges, President Mahama outlined his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, domestic revenue generation, and economic expansion. He reaffirmed plans to implement the 24-Hour Economy Programme, aimed at boosting productivity, increasing exports, and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
Additionally, he highlighted the $10 billion “Big Push” initiative, designed to modernize infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate local industries—ensuring development is driven from within rather than by external funding.
The 68th Independence Day celebration, themed “Reflect, Review, and Reset,” featured former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as the special guest of honor. Other notable attendees included Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor.
