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.

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.

President John Dramani Mahama has hailed Ghana’s ongoing economic reforms and industrial investments after announcing a sharp reduction in cement prices across the country, bringing significant relief to the construction and housing sector.

According to the President, cement prices have fallen by about 20 percent following a combination of macroeconomic stabilisation policies, fiscal discipline, and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new $110 million calcined clay cement manufacturing plant in Tema, President Mahama described the development as evidence that sound economic management and private sector collaboration are yielding positive results.

“Through a mix of macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal discipline and constructive engagement with industry stakeholders, we have started to see positive results in the cement space,” President Mahama said.

He added that the price reduction is already benefiting builders, contractors, and households across the country who rely heavily on cement for construction activities.

Relief for Construction and Housing Sector

President Mahama explained that cement prices had surged in 2024, reaching approximately GH¢120 per bag for 42.5 grade cement and GH¢113 per bag for 32.5 grade cement.

However, he said government policy reforms helped reverse the upward price trend.

“By July 2025, cement prices had fallen by about 20 percent, providing relief to builders, contractors and the housing construction industry,” he stated.

The President further noted that construction inflation has also shown signs of stabilisation, declining to 3.9 percent year-on-year in January 2026, reflecting broader economic recovery.

“These developments demonstrate the impact of prudent economic management and a strengthening domestic currency,” he said.

Industrial Investment Driving Local Production

President Mahama linked the price reduction partly to new investments in Ghana’s cement manufacturing industry, including the newly commissioned calcined clay cement plant in Tema.

He said the facility will help increase domestic cement supply while reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported clinker, which has historically increased production costs.

“This investment demonstrates that when the policy environment is transparent, stable and supportive of enterprise, the private sector will respond by mobilising capital and undertaking projects of global significance,” he said.

The President explained that the new plant will reduce clinker imports by more than 10 percent, helping retain hundreds of millions of cedis within the domestic economy.

“This means lower production costs, reduced import dependency and more value retained within the Ghanaian economy,” he added.

Sustainable Manufacturing and Climate Action

The new plant utilises limestone calcined clay cement technology, which significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional cement production methods.

President Mahama emphasised the importance of adopting environmentally friendly industrial practices to support global climate goals.

“Traditional clay-based cement production accounts for about 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. By introducing this technology, we are advancing both industrial growth and environmental responsibility,” he said.

He added that Ghana remains committed to balancing industrial development with climate action in line with international environmental agreements.

Part of Broader Industrialisation Agenda

President Mahama said the project forms part of government’s broader industrialisation and infrastructure development agenda under the Big Push programme, which is investing over GH¢60 billion in national development projects.

He expressed optimism that continued dialogue between government and industry stakeholders will help sustain price stability in the long term.

“Dialogue between government and industry remains essential for ensuring stability and sustainable growth in this all-important sector,” he said.

Economic Outlook

Analysts have welcomed the development, noting that stable construction material prices could support housing development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation across the country.