During Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama emphasized reflection on the nation’s history and the need for self-reliance. He highlighted the disruption caused by the 1966 coup and called for decisive actions to overcome reliance on foreign aid. His administration is implementing policies aimed at economic growth and independence, with a focus on domestic revenue.
On Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, President John Dramani Mahama urged citizens to reflect on the country’s journey. During the national parade in Accra, he emphasized that the day serves as an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, reinforcing national identity and unity. Mahama stated, “It presents an opportunity for us to recount our history, picking the lessons it teaches, and thereby forging a new path for progress and development.”
He recalled Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for an industrialized Ghana, indicating that a coup in 1966 disrupted that dream and led to instability. He remarked that classified U.S. documents suggest the coup was orchestrated by the CIA, marking a regrettable period in Ghana’s history. Mahama stated that Independence Anniversaries should prompt reflection on stewardship of national assets meant for future generations.
He noted, “These independence anniversaries must therefore be a moment of reflection, not on what we have done for ourselves, but on how well we have stewarded national assets for those we will hand them over to in the future.” He called for stronger leadership to navigate current economic challenges, emphasizing the need to break reliance on imports, donor aid, and IMF bailouts.
Mahama encouraged the nation to go beyond rhetoric and take decisive actions towards self-reliance. He pointed out that proclaiming independence while reverting to donor dependency is ineffective. To combat this, his administration plans to focus on fiscal discipline and domestic revenue growth.
The President announced the implementation of a 24-hour Economy Programme aimed at fostering job creation, boosting productivity, and reducing foreign aid dependency. He also mentioned a $10 billion initiative to modernize infrastructure and stimulate local industries, reaffirming that development must grow from within.
The 68th Independence Day parade, themed “Reflect, Review and Reset,” featured former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as a special guest, alongside high-profile attendees including Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and former Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor.
President Mahama’s address during Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary highlights the significance of reflecting on the nation’s history and challenges. He calls for decisive actions to achieve self-reliance and economic stability, underscoring the importance of breaking free from dependency on foreign aid. His administration’s initiatives aim to foster domestic growth and infrastructure modernization, steering Ghana towards a self-sufficient future enriched by the lessons of its past.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
