President Mahama Urges Reflection on Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary
During Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized reflection on the country’s historical journey and the sacrifices made for freedom. He criticized reliance on imports and external aid, advocating for self-reliance through domestic revenue generation. Mahama outlined initiatives aimed at revitalizing the economy and fostering local industry, reinforcing a commitment to development from within.
On Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, President John Dramani Mahama urged citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey since gaining independence. During the national parade at the Presidency in Accra, he emphasized that these celebrations remind individuals of the struggle for freedom and honor the sacrifices made by their predecessors in pursuit of self-rule.
President Mahama stated that Independence Day serves to reinforce national identity, unity, and patriotism, while offering an occasion for reflection on progress and challenges that lie ahead. He encouraged Ghanaians to recount their history and learn pertinent lessons to pave the way for development.
He recalled the vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for an industrialized and self-reliant Ghana but lamented how a military coup on February 24, 1966 disrupted this dream. Mahama cited classified documents indicating that the coup was orchestrated by the CIA, marking a dark chapter in Ghana’s history. He called the anniversaries a time for reflection on stewardship of national assets for future generations rather than focusing solely on personal accomplishments.
The President pledged to provide decisive leadership to navigate the economic challenges currently facing Ghana. He criticized ongoing reliance on imports and donor aid, calling for actionable steps to achieve self-reliance and reduce dependency on external support. Mahama stressed the need for fiscal discipline and policies that generate domestic revenue to spur economic growth.
Moreover, he highlighted initiatives aimed at revitalizing the economy, such as the 24-hour Economy Programme and the $10 billion big push initiative, which aim to enhance local industry, create jobs, and modernize infrastructure. This reflects a commitment to drive development from within rather than relying on external funding. The anniversary parade, themed “Reflect, Review and Reset,” featured former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as the special guest of honor, alongside notable attendees including Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s address during Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary served as a poignant reminder of the importance of reflecting on the nation’s historical journey, recognizing the sacrifices made for freedom, and addressing contemporary economic challenges. His emphasis on the necessity of self-reliance and actionable governance highlights a path forward that prioritizes domestic capacity and independence over external aid. The aspirations he presented underscore both the potential and responsibilities that Ghanaians bear for future generations.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
