Ghana commemoratesth call for discipline and patriotism

Accra, March 6, — Ghana on Friday commemorated its 69th Independence Anniversary with a ceremonial parade at the forecourt of Jubilee House, where national leaders urged citizens to demonstrate discipline, patriotism and shared responsibility in building a prosperous future.

The ceremony, though modest in scale, drew a broad cross-section of society including government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional authorities, clergy, representatives of political parties, the diplomatic corps, heads of the security services and civil society organisations.

Delivering the Independence Day address, President John Dramani Mahama called on Ghanaians to embrace values of responsibility and national commitment as the country continues its development journey.

The event was attended by former Heads of State and senior public officials, while students and institutional representatives took part in the parade and cultural activities.

The Special Guest of Honour was Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of the Saint Kitts and Nevis, who is currently on an official visit to Ghana.

A guard of honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces featured prominently during the ceremony, alongside the President’s inspection of the parade and patriotic performances by schoolchildren.

One symbolic moment of the ceremony was the lighting of the Perpetual Flame, representing Ghana’s enduring commitment to freedom, unity and national resilience.

The programme also included musical displays by a military band, poetry recitals and patriotic songs by students, as well as traditional drum appellations and cultural dances.

Schools that participated in the parade included St John Bosco School, Ministry of Health Basic School, Labone Senior High School, and Agbogbloshie Basic School.

Theme of the celebration

The anniversary was observed under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”

President Mahama explained that the theme signified a commitment between leadership and citizens to ensure that national policies and decisions translate into meaningful opportunities and renewed optimism for all Ghanaians.

Tribute to Ghana’s founding leaders

The President paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders, particularly Kwame Nkrumah, who led the struggle for independence from British colonial rule in 1957.

He also acknowledged the role played by subsequent national leaders in consolidating Ghana’s democracy and advancing development.

“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully,” he stated.

Call for national responsibility

President Mahama stressed that independence carries a responsibility for citizens to protect national resources and contribute to development through ethical conduct and public service.

He urged Ghanaians to demonstrate patriotism in practical ways, including safeguarding public property and supporting initiatives that strengthen the nation.

“True patriotism must be reflected in everyday actions — the citizen who protects public property, the public servant who treats every Ghanaian with dignity, and the entrepreneur who invests in Ghana’s future,” he said.

Economic and social initiatives

The President highlighted several government initiatives aimed at boosting economic activity and improving livelihoods.

These include the recently approved 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, which he said would expand productivity and create employment by enabling businesses and industries to operate in multiple shifts.

He also disclosed that the government was finalising arrangements to establish a Women’s Development Bank, intended to provide financing and support for women entrepreneurs.

Young people were encouraged to leverage digital technology for education, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“In your hands, a smartphone can become a classroom, a business platform and a gateway to the global economy,” he said.

International connections and historical reflection

President Mahama also underscored Ghana’s longstanding ties with the African diaspora and welcomed Prime Minister Drew’s presence as a symbol of the enduring relationship between Ghana and Caribbean nations.

He announced that Ghana would later in the month submit a motion at the United Nations seeking formal recognition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as crimes against humanity.

Independence Day observance

Ghana celebrates Independence Day annually on March 6, marking the country’s liberation from British colonial rule under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.

The national event formed part of broader activities commemorating the anniversary across the country.

To conclude the celebrations in Accra, the Ghana Armed Forces scheduled a fireworks display at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle later in the evening.

The day was declared a public holiday, with communities, families and organisations nationwide holding their own commemorative activities.

GHBUSS

6 March 2026