President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised the urgent need for Ghana to cut off its over reliance on foreign aid and chart a path towards economic self-sufficiency as the country marks its 68th Independence Anniversary.

Speaking at the Jubilee House in Accra during the Independence Day celebrations, the President outlined a bold vision to transform Ghana’s economy through domestic resource mobilisation, job creation, and constitutional reforms.

 Domestic Growth

President Mahama highlighted that his administration’s economic policies were rooted in fiscal discipline, living within the country's means, and expanding the economy through local productivity.

“Our survival as a nation must not depend on handouts from others, my administration is building and focused on cutting foreign dependency by raising revenue domestically and ensuring that Ghana's prosperity is driven from within,” he stated.

He reiterated that the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative would serve as a catalyst for creating jobs, increasing productivity, and boosting Ghana’s export capacity ultimately reducing the country’s reliance on imported goods.

Strategic Initiatives

To support this vision, the President announced key programmes aimed at revitalising major sectors of the economy. The initiatives include the $10 Billion Big Push Initiative, a comprehensive infrastructure modernisation project that would stimulate local industries, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

Another initiative is the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda targeted at strengthening local agribusinesses, ensuring food security, and reducing Ghana's dependence on imported food products.

The Feed Ghana Programme is also designed to drive mass food production and stabilise food prices across the country as well as the Poultry Farm-to-Table Initiative (Small Chicken Programme) aimed to reduce Ghana’s 95 per cent reliance on imported poultry products by supporting local production and processing.

“These initiatives will not only create jobs but also ensure that our development is driven from within, rather than funded from outside,” President Mahama noted.

Constitutional Review

Addressing Ghana’s political landscape, President Mahama announced plans to re-establish a Constitutional Review Committee to reassess the 1992 Constitution. He acknowledged that while the constitution has provided a stable framework for governance, it needed reforms to address evolving national and global dynamics.

“This review is essential to strengthen our democracy and ensure that our governance framework remains robust, transparent, and aligned with the aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” he stated.

Call for Peace

In a heartfelt appeal, the President called for lasting peace in conflict-prone areas such as Bawku and other regions affected by communal violence.

“I do not speak as President, but as your son and brother. The people of Bawku deserve to inherit a land where dreams are nurtured, not where lives are lost. Let us give peace a chance and rise above the divisions of the past,” he pleaded.

Call to Action

President Mahama urged all Ghanaians, especially the youth, to seize the opportunities created by his administration's policies and actively participate in building a self-sufficient nation.

“Our history has taught us that when people unite with a common purpose, nothing can stand in their way. This is our defining moment — a call to action to create a future that is fair, prosperous, and inclusive for all” he added.

Background

Today, Ghana proudly celebrates 68 years of independence, marking another milestone in the nation’s history of resilience, growth, and unity. 

The Jubilee House, the seat of government, became the focal point of this year’s celebrations, hosting a dignified ceremony attended by President John Dramani Mahama, government officials, traditional leaders, and citizens from all walks of life.

This year’s Independence Day theme, “ Reflect, Review and Reset,” reflects Ghana’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance, fostering economic growth, and upholding national unity. 

The celebration featured a parade of the security services, cultural displays, and musical performances showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage.