President Mahama Calls for Africa’s Economic Independence at Kenya’s Jamhuri Day

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the current generation of African leaders to win economic independence for the continent after forebears secured political freedom through independence struggles.

In his address as Guest of Honour at Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi on Friday, President Mahama said Africa must break free from a global order “rigged against it” that keeps the continent as a supplier of raw materials and importer of finished products.

“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,” the President stated.

He outlined what he described as urgent imperatives for Africa’s transformation.

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

The President urged African countries to increase trade amongst themselves, commending the protocol on the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Mahama announced that Ghana is sending troops from its 48th Engineers Regiment to Jamaica in the “spirit of Pan-African solidarity” to help with rebuilding efforts following the devastating Hurricane Melissa.

He praised Kenya for its intervention in Haiti, expressing the appreciation of Ghanaians to Kenyans for bringing “relief to the long-suffering people of Haiti.”

“We must show Pan-African solidarity with all members of the African diaspora and that’s why I wish to express the sincerest appreciation of the people of Ghana to the people of Kenya for your timely intervention in Haiti,” the President said.

President Mahama described the friendship between independence leaders Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta as “an enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together.”

He told the gathering that on Kenya’s independence day, “the people of Ghana are in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Kenya.”

The President paid respect to the memory of forebears who fought for freedom, saying “we do not take their sacrifice for granted.”

He offered personal condolences and the sympathy of all Ghanaians on the passing of Raila Odinga, whom he described as “a great statesman.”

“May God grant him peaceful rest,” the President said.

He praised Kenya as a respected member of the African Union and other international bodies, wishing the country well on the occasion.

“Long live Kenya, long live Africa, long live Kenya-Ghana relations,” President Mahama concluded.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD