President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to embrace the historic responsibility of steering the continent toward true economic independence, arguing that while Africa’s founding fathers secured political liberation, the current generation must deliver prosperity and dignity for their people.
He made these remarks in Nairobi during Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebration, where he joined President William Ruto and the Kenyan people to mark the country’s independence anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama conveyed warm greetings from the people of Ghana and acknowledged Kenya’s First Lady, extending solidarity from Accra to Nairobi.
He reaffirmed the deep, historic bond between the two nations, rooted in the friendship between Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Kenya’s founding leader, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
He described their relationship as “an enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together,” adding that both nations continue to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
“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.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He described the existing global order as one that remains structurally unfair to African nations. “Africa faces many challenges, including a global order that is rigged against it,” he noted, highlighting a persistent pattern in which African economies export raw materials and import finished goods, a model he said continues to limit the continent’s development potential.
Value Addition at the Heart of Economic Independence
“We face systems that make us suppliers of unprocessed raw materials and importers of finished products,” he added. To break this cycle, President Mahama argued that African countries must commit to value addition, equitable management of natural resources, and stronger governance.
“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,” he stressed. He further called for a leadership culture anchored in transparency, accountability, and the empowerment of Africa’s youth.
According to him, sustainable transformation requires leaders who are ready to “provide transparent and accountable leadership” and “unleash the creativity and energies of our young people.”
President Mahama also underscored the significance of strengthening intra-African trade, praising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a crucial step in boosting economic cooperation.
“We must increase trade amongst ourselves and so we commend the protocol on the African continental free trade area,” he said, noting that the initiative provides a pathway for African countries to grow regional industries and reduce overreliance on external markets.
His address also highlighted the enduring value of Pan-African solidarity. He commended Kenya for its leadership role in the international intervention in Haiti, which aims to stabilise the country and protect vulnerable communities.
“I wish to express the sincerest appreciation of the people of Ghana to the people of Kenya for your timely intervention in Haiti to bring relief to the long-suffering people of Haiti”.
President John Dramani Mahama
In the same spirit, President Mahama announced that Ghana has deployed personnel from the 48 Engineers Regiment to Jamaica to support reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
He noted that Africa’s responsibility to the diaspora remains a core pillar of Pan-Africanism. President Mahama praised Kenya’s stature within the African Union and other global institutions, wishing the country continued strength and progress.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kenya on the passing of revered statesman Mzee Raila Odinga. “Accept my personal condolences and the sympathy of all Ghanaians on the passing of a great statesman, Mzee Raila Odinga. May God grant him peaceful rest,” he said.
He concluded his address with a reaffirmation of unity and cooperation among African states. “Long live Kenya. Long live Africa. Long live Kenya–Ghana relations,” President Mahama declared, drawing applause from attendees. His message encapsulated both a tribute to Africa’s liberation icons and a charge to modern leaders to complete the continent’s economic transformation.
READ ALSO: WAPCo Assures Region of Uninterrupted Gas Transport After Pipeline Breach
