Ghana's President Mahama calls for Africa’s economic independence at Jamhuri Day fete

Ghana’s President John Mahama has called on African nations to focus on economic independence and value addition, evoking the historic friendship between Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah and Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, during Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium.

President Mahama said the legacy of the continent’s independence leaders continues to inspire current generations.

"On this day, we pay respect to the memory of our forebears who fought for our freedom, and we do not take their sacrifice for granted," said President Mahama.

"Our forebears won us political independence. It is the responsibility of our current generation of African leadership to win economic independence and prosperity for our people," he added.

Mahama highlighted the enduring partnership between Nkrumah and Kenyatta, describing it as an “enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together.”

He noted that the friendship of these leaders was not only a symbol of Pan-African unity but also a call for today’s leaders to emulate their vision and dedication to the continent.

He further emphasised Africa’s economic challenges, noting that the continent often remains a supplier of unprocessed raw materials while importing finished goods.

“The time has come for us to add value to Africa’s exports. The time has come to claim a fairer share of our natural resource endowments. The time has come to provide transparent and accountable leadership,” he said.

Mahama also emphasised empowering Africa’s youth and boosting intra-African trade, commending the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major step toward economic integration. He urged nations to show solidarity with members of the African diaspora.

"We must increase trade amongst ourselves, and so we commend the Protocol on the African Continental Free Trade Area. We must show Pan-African solidarity with all members of the African diaspora," he said.

In a gesture of Pan-African cooperation, Mahama thanked Kenya for its intervention in Haiti to provide relief and announced that Ghana would send troops from its 48th Engineers Regiment to assist Jamaica in rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Melissa.

Concluding his speech, Mahama paid tribute to the late Raila Odinga. “May God grant him peaceful rest. Long live Kenya. Long live Africa. Long live Kenya-Ghana relations,” he said.

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