President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to place country above party, tribe, and personal interests as the nation works to build prosperity and restore hope.
The President made this call on Friday during Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration at the the Presidency in Accra, emphasizing that patriotism should extend beyond just slogans.
He stated that true patriotism must be shown through everyday actions, citing the citizen who protects public property, the public servant who treats every Ghanaian with respect, and the entrepreneur who opts to invest resources in Ghana’s future as examples.
“Patriotism should extend beyond just slogans. True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions. Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests. Citizens, Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” President Mahama said.
He emphasized that independence granted Ghana freedom, but freedom demands responsibility, calling for the reestablishment of discipline in national life.
The President explained that this discipline must be reflected in how public resources are managed, in adhering to the law, and in how Ghanaians treat one another in public life.
President Mahama stated that resetting Ghana goes beyond just managing issues but involves transforming how the country governs, produces, and shares the fruits of prosperity.
He noted that over the past year, the government has taken decisive steps to stabilize the economy, restore investor confidence, and rebuild fiscal discipline in resource management.
The President stated that resetting Ghana also involves resetting values, expectations, and the social contract that exists between leaders and citizens, stressing that leadership must be accountable.
He declared that corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of the nation, explaining that every cedi stolen from the public purse represents a classroom robbed of textbooks, a hospital that will go without medicines, a road left uncompleted, and a young graduate denied opportunity.
President Mahama stated that under his leadership, the government is not just fighting corruption with words alone but strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring no individual, regardless of status or party, is above the law.
He noted that government cannot win the battle against corruption alone, calling for a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty.
The President addressed the youth, stating that success will depend on discipline, resilience, and excellence, advising that the future belongs to those who prepare for it.
He congratulated 52 outstanding students who received the President’s Independence Day Award for School Children earlier in the week, commending Keita Secondary Technical School for winning the 69th Independence Day Quiz Competition.
President Mahama pledged to serve with integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people, but emphasized that Ghana’s progress cannot rely solely on his leadership.
He stated that progress will depend on every citizen doing their part, urging Ghanaians to do whatever they do with excellence for Ghana, for Africa, and for generations yet unborn.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
