By Leo Nelson
President John Dramani Mahama has called on citizens to unite behind the government’s Reset Ghana agenda as the country marked 69 years of Independence from the United Kingdom.
Addressing the nation at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, the President emphasised the need for collective responsibility, discipline, and integrity in rebuilding the nation’s economy and strengthening governance.
Speaking before government officials, security chiefs, diplomats, and invited guests, President Mahama said the mandate given to his administration requires a fundamental transformation in how the country is governed and how national resources are managed.
According to the President, the Reset Ghana agenda goes beyond addressing immediate challenges and seeks to reshape the country’s development path.
“My fellow citizens, when I took office, you granted me a clear mandate to reset our nation, Ghana. Resetting Ghana goes beyond simply managing our issues. It involves transforming how we govern, how we produce, and how we share the fruits of our prosperity.”
The President noted that his administration has taken decisive steps over the past year to stabilise the economy and restore confidence among investors and the public. These measures, he said, are aimed at rebuilding fiscal discipline and ensuring prudent management of national resources.
President Mahama explained that key economic indicators are showing signs of improvement. According to him, inflation is gradually declining while the local currency has begun to stabilise. These developments, he said, are helping to rebuild confidence in the Ghanaian economy.
He also revealed that the government has renegotiated aspects of the country’s debt obligations in order to secure more sustainable terms that protect the interests of citizens.
The outcome of these negotiations, he explained, has created room for government to redirect resources into key sectors such as health care, education, agriculture, and job creation.
While acknowledging that economic progress remains a work in progress, the President stressed that rebuilding the economy requires sustained discipline and long term commitment from both government and citizens.
Beyond economic reforms, President Mahama emphasised the importance of rebuilding national values and strengthening the relationship between leaders and citizens. He stated that the Reset Ghana agenda also seeks to renew the social contract that underpins democratic governance.
According to the President, accountability in leadership is essential to restoring public confidence in institutions. He described corruption as a serious threat to national development and warned that its consequences extend far beyond financial losses.
“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation. Every Cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom that is robbed of textbooks.
“It represents a hospital that will go without medicines. It represents a road that will be left uncompleted. And it represents a young graduate that will be denied an opportunity.”
President Mahama said his administration is committed to strengthening institutions responsible for fighting corruption and ensuring that they operate independently without political interference. He emphasised that the rule of law must apply equally to all individuals regardless of their social status or political affiliation.
He explained that institutional reforms are being implemented to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The President also stressed that the fight against corruption cannot be left solely to government institutions. According to him, citizens must also play a role in promoting integrity and ethical conduct in both public and private life.
He called for a national culture that values honesty, accountability, and dedication to public service. Such values, he said, are essential in rebuilding trust and strengthening the foundations of the nation’s democracy.
“But government cannot win this battle alone. We must foster a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he told the gathering.
The President emphasised that national development depends on the collective actions of citizens who uphold these principles in their daily lives.
President Mahama further called for renewed discipline in national life, stressing that independence brought freedom but also carries responsibility. He noted that discipline should guide the conduct of both public officials and ordinary citizens.
According to him, discipline must be reflected in how public resources are managed, how laws are respected, and how citizens interact with one another in public spaces.
He encouraged Ghanaians to demonstrate genuine patriotism through responsible actions that contribute to national progress. “Patriotism should extend beyond just slogans. True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions,” he said.
The President highlighted several examples of such actions including protecting public property, treating fellow citizens with respect, and investing in the country’s development.
He also urged political leaders and citizens to prioritise national interest above partisan or ethnic divisions. Unity, he said, remains critical to Ghana’s continued growth and stability.
“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interest. Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” he stated.
As the country commemorated 69 years of independence, President Mahama said the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the nation’s future.
While acknowledging that Ghana has faced various economic and social challenges over the decades, he expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of its people.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to serve the nation with dedication while working with citizens to achieve the goals of the Reset Ghana agenda. He concluded by encouraging Ghanaians to work together in building a prosperous, disciplined, and united nation that benefits future generations.