President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to honour the country’s history as the nation works toward a prosperous future.
Addressing dignitaries and citizens during Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration at Jubilee House, President Mahama said the country’s present cannot be separated from the sacrifices of its past leaders.
“This is our story. This is our moment. We cannot speak of Ghana’s present without paying homage to our past,” he said.
The Independence Day ceremony brought together former presidents, government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, members of the security services, and school children to mark Ghana’s 69 years of independence.
The President paid tribute to Ghana’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence in 1957. He also acknowledged the role of successive governments in shaping Ghana’s democracy and national institutions.
He said Ghana’s democratic record, including peaceful transfers of power, showed the maturity of the country’s political system and the resilience of its people.
The President used the occasion to outline government measures aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening fiscal discipline. He said inflation was declining, the local currency had stabilised and investor confidence was gradually returning.
He also announced that he had assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, which he said would allow businesses and services to operate in shifts to increase productivity and create jobs.
President Mahama further disclosed that the government was in the final stages of establishing a Women’s Development Bank to provide financing and support for women-led businesses.
On international relations, the President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to African unity and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is based in Accra.