Ghana on Friday celebrated its 69th Independence Day in a colorful ceremony held at the forecourt of the Jubilee House.

On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan country to break free of the yoke of colonialism and proclaim independence.

The staunch pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah immediately became the country’s inaugural prime minister, and later took the oath of office as its first president.

The establishment of parties like the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947 marked a major milestone in the organized independence movement.

Initially, the UGCC sought constitutional reforms within British colonial rule, but when their demands went unmet, the party split, and Nkrumah formed the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949, pushing for full independence. Peaceful protests and demonstrations emerged as a potent force in the fight for freedom.

Pan-Africanists in Ghana are said to have played significant roles in leading the charge towards decolonization, inspired by the concept and essence of freedom, and they had a potent reference point in Ethiopia – a country that was never colonized.

With an estimated population size of 35.4 million and 16 regions, Ghana is a constitutional democracy.

Women Empowerment

President John Dramani Mahama told the celebrants that a Women’s Development Bank is in the final stages of setting up to provide financial and business support for women-led enterprises in Ghana.

The President said the initiative is aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of limited access to affordable credit for women entrepreneurs.

“We are in the final stages of setting up the Women’s Development Bank. This work has been under the leadership of our hardworking Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.”

He noted that women have long played a critical role in Ghana’s informal economy but continue to face significant financial barriers.

“Our women entrepreneurs have historically been the backbone of Ghana's informal economy, and yet too many of them face barriers to affordable credit.”

According to President Mahama, the bank will offer accessible financing, mentorship and business development support tailored specifically for women-led businesses.

“This Women’s Development Bank will provide accessible financing, mentorship and business support that is tailored to women-led enterprises.”

Homage to Forefathers

President John Dramani Mahama paid glowing tribute to Ghana’s founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, crediting him with igniting a profound sense of consciousness and continental purpose.

“Nkrumah didn’t just grant us independence; he awakened within us a sense of consciousness and a continental purpose,” Mahama declared, highlighting the role of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), Convention People’s Party (CPP), and countless unsung heroes in reshaping African history.

He honored Nkrumah’s enduring memory alongside every leader who followed, emphasizing their collective contributions to Ghana’s journey.

From Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia to J.A. Ankrah, Akwasi Afrifa, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, General Akuffo, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Mahama noted, “All of them have been a part of our history and have brought us to this moment in our lives.”

Mahama stressed that every administration, irrespective of political affiliation, has advanced the nation-building project.

“Every administration, regardless of its political inclination, has played its part in building the nation we all proudly call Ghana,” he stated, underscoring the shared legacy that unites Ghanaians today.

Praising the resilience of Ghana’s democracy, the President affirmed its strength through peaceful competition and transitions.

“Our democracy has endured because we’ve learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully, which is evidence of the maturity and wisdom of the Ghanaian people,” he said.