President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the vision and legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as the country marks Founder’s Day.
In a message shared on social media on Monday, September 21, President Mahama described the occasion as an opportunity for Ghanaians at home and abroad to reflect on Dr Nkrumah’s contribution to Ghana’s independence struggle and his broader vision for Africa.
He said Kwame Nkrumah’s commitment to liberty, Pan-African unity and self-reliance helped establish Ghana as a symbol of hope and possibility on the global stage.
Mahama said that the former President’s belief in the capacity of Africans to determine and manage their own affairs remains relevant to Ghana’s national identity and aspirations.
“Today is our Founder’s Day, another opportunity for us to pause as a people and honour the immortal legacy of our nation’s founder, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
“He was a visionary whose relentless pursuit of liberty, Pan-African unity, and self-reliance placed Ghana as a beacon of hope on the global stage. His bold declaration that ‘the black man is capable of managing his own affairs’ remains the bedrock of our national pride.”
President Mahama said the celebration should go beyond commemorating Kwame Nkrumah’s achievements and serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that remain in Ghana’s nation-building journey.
He noted that while Ghana attained political independence under Dr Nkrumah’s leadership, the broader task of building a prosperous and equitable society remains ongoing.
“As we celebrate his unparalleled legacy today, I remind every Ghanaian at home and in the diaspora that the work of nation-building is not complete.”
The President urged Ghanaians to draw strength from Dr Nkrumah’s ideals and apply them to contemporary efforts aimed at transforming the country.
“Let us draw strength from Osagyefo’s vision and contribute in our own way to attaining the Resetting Ghana Agenda. I charge us all to rise above division, embrace selfless patriotism, and work tirelessly toward economic freedom and social justice.”
President Mahama further linked the ideals of political independence championed by Dr Nkrumah to the current pursuit of economic and social development.
“Just as Nkrumah fought for our political independence, we have a collective duty today to build a prosperous, equitable, and resilient Ghana.”