Ghana @ 68: Ceasefire – Mahama to Bawku and conflict areas

President John Dramani Mahama has called for peace and unity in conflict areas like Bawku as Ghana celebrates its 68th independence anniversary. Delivering his Independence Day address at the Jubilee House, President Mahama emphasized the need for lasting peace to prevail, especially for children living in conflict areas.

According to President Mahama, Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, understood the essence of unity, not only in Ghana but on the entire African continent. “He once said, ‘the forces that unite us are inherently and far greater than the divisions imposed upon us,'” President Mahama quoted.

“The people of Bawku and other areas, it is time for lasting peace to prevail. Our children deserve to inherit a peaceful land where their dreams are nurtured, not a place where their nightmares are relived. They deserve to inherit a land where our markets are bustling with trade, not tension and conflict. They deserve schools that echo with learning, not melancholy,” Mahama stated.

President Mahama urged citizens to unite with a common purpose and rise above past grievances of colonialism to create a brighter future. “Let us rise with courage, determination, and unwavering belief that a brighter future is just within our grasps,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful environment for children to thrive. “Our children deserve to inherit a peaceful land where their dreams are nurtured, not where their nightmares are relived,” President Mahama said. “They deserve to inherit a land where our markets are bustling with trade, not tension and conflict.”

As Ghana prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary of independence in two years, President Mahama revived the nation’s hope against challenges and struggles. “This is our moment in history,” he said. “We have endured trials, faced challenges, and carried the burden of our struggles, but we have never given up.”

In a related development, Ghana has been strengthening its economic ties with other African countries, including Algeria. The two countries have seen significant growth in trade, with a trade volume of $44 million. This cooperation is expected to continue growing, with a focus on areas such as education, security, and economic development.