Accra, March 6, — President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah, describing him as the visionary leader who spearheaded the country’s independence struggle and inspired the broader liberation of Africa.
Delivering his address at Ghana’s 69th Independence Day anniversary celebration held at the forecourt of Jubilee House, President Mahama reflected on the historic declaration made by Nkrumah on March 6, 1957.
“We cannot speak of Ghana’s present without paying homage to our past,” the President said, recalling Nkrumah’s famous declaration that Ghana had become free and that the country’s independence would only be meaningful if it contributed to the liberation of the entire African continent.
The national event was organised under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
Recognition of Ghana’s founding struggle
President Mahama said Nkrumah’s leadership helped awaken a strong sense of national identity and purpose among Ghanaians.
He noted that the struggle for independence began with the United Gold Coast Convention and later gained momentum through the Convention People’s Party, together with the efforts of many patriots whose contributions shaped the country’s history.
According to him, the collective efforts of these leaders and activists triggered a movement that eventually changed the course of African history.
Tribute to past national leaders
The President also acknowledged the contributions of leaders who governed the country after independence.
Among those he mentioned were Joseph Arthur Ankrah, Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa, Kofi Abrefa Busia and Ignatius Kutu Acheampong.
Others included Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
President Mahama said each administration had played a role in shaping Ghana’s democratic and developmental progress.
“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred and to transfer power peacefully,” he said.
Significance of Caribbean ties
The ceremony was attended by Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, who served as the Special Guest of Honour and was accompanied by his wife, Diani Jinesha Prince-Drew.
President Mahama said the visit symbolised the deep historical connections between Ghana and the Caribbean, describing it as a reconnection among people who shared common ancestry.
He noted that sites such as the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle remained reminders of the painful era when millions of Africans were forcibly taken across the Atlantic during the slave trade.
Despite the tragedy, he said, descendants of those taken away had demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity, leaving lasting cultural influence around the world.
Ghana’s push for historical justice
President Mahama also announced that Ghana would submit a motion to the United Nations seeking formal recognition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crimes against humanity.
He described the move as part of ongoing efforts to pursue historical justice and restitution for the atrocities committed during that period.
“Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, will once again lead the global call for dignity and restoration,” he said.
GHBUSS
March 6, 2026
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