Ghana celebrated its 68th Independence Day on March 6, 2025. President John Mahama highlighted the CIA’s role in the 1966 coup against Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He acknowledged ongoing economic challenges while celebrating Ghana’s evolution into a democracy marked by peaceful power transitions.
On March 6, 2025, Ghana celebrated its 68th Independence Day. During the festivities, President John Mahama addressed the audience by underscoring the involvement of the CIA in the ousting of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whom he recognized as the nation’s founder. Despite historical challenges, Mahama affirmed that the country has evolved into a fully-fledged democracy characterized by peaceful transitions of power.
The President pointed out that while Ghana grapples with visible economic issues, many remnants of historical events, such as the CIA’s role in the 1966 coup against Nkrumah, deserve acknowledgment. He elaborated that these events are often overlooked yet remain integral to the nation’s identity. In his speech, Mahama expressed the significance of Independence Day as a moment for reflection on Ghana’s journey towards self-rule and freedom.
“Fellow compatriots, Independence Day celebrations serve as an opportunity to remember our nation’s struggle for freedom and to honor the sacrifices of our forbearers,” he articulated, emphasizing the importance of recalling historical events to forge a path forward. He identified Nkrumah’s vision for a prosperous, self-reliant Ghana rooted in Pan-African unity, and lamented how a coup on February 24, 1966, thwarted these aspirations.
The coup, which was documented as being orchestrated by the CIA, led to a significant period of instability for Ghana. Mahama deemed this era as a dark chapter in the nation’s history, recognizing its long-lasting repercussions. Nevertheless, he concluded with a note of optimism, highlighting that Ghana has made substantial progress and has successfully established a democracy that values peaceful power transitions.
In conclusion, President John Mahama’s Independence Day address poignantly revisits Ghana’s past, specifically the CIA’s role in the removal of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Despite historical upheavals, he celebrates Ghana’s advancement to a democratic nation. His speech serves as both a reminder of the sacrifices made for independence and a call for unity and continued progress.
Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com
