Ghana Marks 69th Independence Anniversary with 'New Ghana' Vision and Rare Political Unity

Ghana celebrated its 69th Independence Day with a powerful call for national renewal, economic transformation, and an unprecedented display of political unity. President John Dramani Mahama, joined by former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, emphasized a shift from mere political sovereignty to tangible economic progress. The celebration, themed "Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope," was intentionally scaled down to reflect fiscal prudence. Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu defended the decision to move the main event from Independence Square to the Jubilee House, noting a 90% reduction in costs—from a projected GH¢20 million to approximately GH¢1.5 million—to prioritize national resources during challenging economic times.

In his keynote address, President Mahama outlined his "New Ghana" vision, headlined by the recently enacted 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill. He urged the private sector to collaborate with the government to drive this initiative, which aims to revitalize production and create thousands of jobs for the youth. Beyond domestic policy, Mahama announced a significant diplomatic and historical initiative: Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations to declare the transatlantic slave trade the "gravest crime against humanity." This move reinforces a "historic reconnection" with the Caribbean, underscored by the presence of Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, aiming to enhance trade, tourism, and Pan-African solidarity.

Contributing an intellectual perspective, former President John Agyekum Kufuor called for an "intellectual revolution" to address Ghana’s structural weaknesses. Speaking during an Independence Day webinar, Kufuor criticized the nation's history of "gambling" with its future, urging a shift toward rigorous scholarship and institutional strength. He argued that economic stability is unattainable if social welfare is neglected, famously stating that an economy cannot be stabilized if teachers remain unpaid. He challenged universities to move beyond rote learning and produce graduates capable of innovative problem-solving to navigate the uncertainties of the modern global landscape.

The anniversary was also marked by a strong sense of community and religious harmony. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, urged citizens to embrace interfaith unity and reinforce their commitment to democratic values amid rising global tensions. Across the country, in districts such as Kwadaso, Amasaman, and Ahafo Ano South West, local leaders echoed these sentiments, describing independence as a "continuing duty." They called for increased focus on agricultural self-sufficiency and local resource processing, urging the younger generation to uphold the values of their forefathers to ensure that the journey toward the 70th anniversary is one of shared prosperity and accountability.