By Philip Antoh
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to find inspiration in the enduring legacy of the country’s first leader, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as the nation commemorates Founder’s Day.
In a statement issued via social media on Monday, September 21, Mahama noted that the holiday gives citizens both locally and internationally a chance to ponder Nkrumah’s instrumental role in the fight for independence and his grand vision for the African continent.
President Mahama pointed out that the first president’s steadfast dedication to liberty, Pan-Africanism, and self-reliance turned Ghana into a global symbol of hope.
“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,” the President wrote.
“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.”
Mahama stressed that honouring Nkrumah must go beyond merely reflecting on past accomplishments; it should also highlight the ongoing duties in Ghana’s nation-building journey.
While acknowledging that Nkrumah successfully secured political freedom, the President reminded citizens that the goal of forging a prosperous and just society is still pending.
“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,” he cautioned.
Mahama challenged the public to translate Nkrumah’s principles into modern efforts to transform the nation.
Drawing a direct parallel between the historical fight for political autonomy and today’s demand for economic and social advancement, he urged unity and dedication to the “Resetting Ghana Agenda.”
“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,” he appealed.
Concluding his message, Mahama emphasized the shared responsibility to construct a more robust and fair nation: “Just as Nkrumah fought for our political independence, we have a collective duty today to build a prosperous, equitable, and resilient Ghana.”
The President’s address joins the nationwide celebrations for Founder’s Day, observed annually on September 21 to mark the 1909 birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.