President John Dramani Mahama has described corruption as a serious threat to Ghana’s national development, warning that corrupt practices undermine education, healthcare, and infrastructure delivery across the country.

Speaking during 69th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama said corruption weakens governance systems and denies citizens access to essential public services.

“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation,” he stated. “Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom that is robbed of textbooks, a hospital that will go without medicines, and a road that will be left uncompleted.”

The President emphasized that fighting corruption remains a key priority of his administration, adding that government is strengthening anti-corruption institutions to improve transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

“Under my leadership, we are not just fighting corruption with words alone. We are strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or political affiliation, is above the law,” he said.

President Mahama also called for a national culture of integrity, urging citizens to support the fight against corruption through ethical conduct in both public and private life.
“Government cannot win this battle alone. We must build a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he added.

He further urged public servants and political leaders to demonstrate accountability and transparency in the management of national resources.

“Leadership must be accountable. Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that Ghana’s development depends on collective responsibility, urging citizens to place national interest above personal or partisan interests.
“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests.

Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” he said.
The President’s remarks come as part of broader government efforts to strengthen governance reforms, improve economic management, and restore public confidence in state institutions.

President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaian youth to prepare themselves for future opportunities through education, discipline, and skills development as the country continues its journey toward economic transformation and national prosperity.

Addressing the nation during Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebration held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” President Mahama said the youth represent the future of Ghana’s development and must be equipped with modern skills to compete in the global economy.

“To the young people of this country, I see you, I hear you, and I believe in your potential,” President Mahama said. “You belong to a generation that is armed with tools and opportunities that earlier generations could hardly have imagined.”

He noted that technology presents significant opportunities for young people to build careers and businesses, stressing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“In your hands, a smartphone transforms into a classroom. In your hands, it becomes a business platform, a creative studio, and a gateway to the global economy,” he said.

However, President Mahama also urged young people to combine opportunity with discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence in order to achieve success.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” he stated. “Success will also depend on discipline, resilience, and excellence in everything you do.”

The President outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting youth development, including investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs across the country.

“We are investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, and Koforidua,” he said.

He also announced reforms in education and training programmes designed to bridge the gap between school and employment.

“We are reforming education to meet the needs of the modern economy and expanding internship and apprenticeship programmes to prepare young people for the world of work,” he added.

President Mahama further encouraged young Ghanaians to uphold national values of patriotism and integrity.

“Ghana’s progress will depend on every citizen doing their part. Wherever you are, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Do it for Ghana, do it for Africa, and do it for the generations yet unborn,” he said.

Ghana on Friday, March 6, marked its 69th Independence Anniversary with a call for national unity, economic transformation, and renewed hope for the future.

The national celebration, held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security services, students, and citizens from across the country to commemorate Ghana’s liberation from colonial rule in 1957.

Delivering the keynote address, President John Dramani Mahama said the theme reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians while strengthening the country’s democratic and economic foundations.

“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,” he stated.

President Mahama said Independence Day provides an opportunity for the nation to reflect on its history and the sacrifices made by Ghana’s founding leaders, particularly Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led the struggle for independence.

“Sixty-nine years ago, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed to the world that at long last the battle is ended and that Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever,” the President said.

He emphasized that Ghana’s democratic journey has been strengthened by peaceful political competition and transitions of power.

“Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully, which is evidence of the maturity and wisdom of the Ghanaian people,” he added.

President Mahama also reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions.

“When I took office, you granted me a clear mandate to reset our nation. Resetting Ghana goes beyond simply managing our issues; it involves transforming how we govern, how we produce, and how we share the fruits of our prosperity,” he said.

According to him, economic indicators are beginning to show signs of recovery.

“Inflation is declining, the local currency is stabilising, and confidence in the Ghanaian economy is gradually returning,” he noted.

The President further announced that he had assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, describing it as a major step toward boosting productivity and job creation.

“This historic reform will boost Ghana’s productivity. Businesses will be incentivised to run across multiple shifts, factories will operate around the clock, and services will become more accessible to our citizens,” he said.

President Mahama also disclosed that the government is in the final stages of establishing the Women’s Development Bank, an initiative aimed at providing financial support to women-led businesses.

“Our women entrepreneurs have historically been the backbone of Ghana’s informal economy, yet too many face barriers to affordable credit. This Women’s Development Bank will provide accessible financing and mentorship for women-led enterprises,” he said.

Touching on Ghana’s historical role in Africa and the diaspora, President Mahama announced that the country will submit a motion to the United Nations declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity.

“Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, will once again lead the global call for dignity and restoration,” he said.

The President also used the occasion to encourage young people to take advantage of opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship, stressing that the government will continue to invest in digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, and skills development programmes.

As Ghana approaches its 70th independence anniversary next year, President Mahama called on citizens to contribute to national development and uphold values of discipline, patriotism, and integrity.

“Wherever you are, whatever you do, do your part with excellence. Do it for Ghana, do it for Africa, and do it for the generations yet unborn,” he urged.

Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence and inspiring liberation movements across the continent.