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Ghana marks 69th Independence Anniversary with call for discipline, patriotism Ghana on Friday marked its 69th Independence Anniversary with a ceremonial parade at the Jubilee House in Accra, calling on citizens to build prosperity, restore hope and uphold discipline and patriotism. The colourful but modest ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Junilee House, Accra, brought together government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, clergy, political party representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, security service heads and civil society organisations. Delivering the Independence Day address, President John Dramani Mahama urged Ghanaians to embrace discipline, responsibility and patriotism as essential values for national development. Former Heads of State and senior public officials attended the event, alongside students and representatives of various institutions who participated in the parade and cultural displays. Dr Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, who is on an official state visit to Ghana, was the Special Guest of Honour. The ceremony featured a guard of honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces, inspection of the parade and patriotic and cultural performances by schoolchildren. One of the highlights was the lighting of the Perpetual Flame by the President, symbolising Ghana’s enduring spirit of freedom, unity and national resilience. The parade also featured musical displays by a military band, patriotic songs and poetry recitals by students, cultural performances by schoolchildren and traditional drum appellations. Participating schools included St John Bosco School, Ministry of Health Basic School, Labone Senior High School and Agbogbloshie Basic School. The celebration was held on the theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.” “This theme is more than just ceremonial. It represents a covenant between the government and the governed- 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. Independence Day is observed annually on March 6 to commemorate Ghana’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1957 under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. President Mahama paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders, particularly Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who declared Ghana’s independence and championed the cause of African liberation. He also acknowledged the contributions of subsequent national leaders whose efforts, he said, had shaped Ghana’s democratic and developmental journey. “Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully,” he said. The President said Ghana’s independence carried a responsibility for citizens to uphold integrity, protect public resources and contribute meaningfully to national development. He urged renewed discipline in national life and called on citizens to demonstrate patriotism through actions that protect national assets and promote the collective good. “True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions – the citizen who protects public property, the public servant who treats every Ghanaian with respect, and the entrepreneur who invests in Ghana’s future,” he said. President Mahama reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening accountability and fighting corruption, describing corruption as a major obstacle to development. “Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom robbed of textbooks, a hospital without medicines, and opportunities denied to our young people,” he said. The President highlighted initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, job creation and social development. These include the newly assented 24-hour Economy Authority Bill, which he said would promote productivity and expand employment opportunities by enabling businesses and industries to operate across multiple shifts. He also announced that the Government was in the final stages of establishing the Women’s Development Bank to provide financial support and business assistance to women entrepreneurs. President Mahama encouraged young people to take advantage of opportunities created by digital technology and innovation. “In your hands, a smartphone can become a classroom, a business platform and a gateway to the global economy,” he said. The President acknowledged Ghana’s historical connection with the African diaspora and welcomed the presence of Prime Minister Drew, describing it as a symbol of enduring ties between Ghana and the Caribbean. He said Ghana would later this month submit a motion at the United Nations seeking recognition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crimes against humanity. “Ghana is bigger than any one of us. We must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests,” he said. Friday’s national ceremony formed part of activities marking the 69th anniversary of Ghana’s independence. To climax the day’s celebrations, the Ghana Armed Forces will hold a fireworks display at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra on Friday evening. The day has been declared a public holiday, with individual, group and family commemorations expected across the country.

Ghana marks 69th Independence Anniversary with call for discipline, patriotism Ghana on Friday marked its 69th Independence Anniversary with a ceremonial parade at the Jubilee House in Accra, calling on citizens to build prosperity, restore…

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