President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to draw profound inspiration from the vision, ideals and enduring legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as the country observes Founder’s Day. Editorial Standards
In an official message shared on social media on Monday, September 21, 2026, President Mahama said the occasion provides an important opportunity for Ghanaians at home and abroad to reflect on Dr Nkrumah’s contribution to Ghana’s struggle for independence and his broader vision for Africa.
His message was issued as Ghana marked Founder’s Day, a day associated with the birth of the country’s first President.
President Mahama highlighted Dr Nkrumah’s commitment to liberty, Pan-African unity and national self-reliance, describing those ideals as important elements of Ghana’s historical identity.
“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,” President Mahama stated.
He further referenced Dr Nkrumah’s well-known assertion that the African people are capable of managing their own affairs, linking the principle to national pride and the country’s continuing development aspirations.
Dr Nkrumah led the Gold Coast into independence from British colonial rule in 1957, making Ghana the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence from colonial rule.
His leadership also placed Pan-Africanism and African unity prominently on Ghana’s foreign-policy agenda. Editorial Ethics & Independence
For President Mahama, however, Founder’s Day should not be limited to remembering the achievements of Ghana’s first President.
He said the commemoration should also encourage citizens to consider their responsibilities in advancing the country’s development.
“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 said.
The President’s message therefore placed the historical achievement of political independence alongside the contemporary challenge of building an economically strong, socially just and resilient country.
Linking Nkrumah’s Legacy to the Resetting Ghana Agenda
President Mahama also connected the principles associated with Dr Nkrumah to his administration’s Resetting Ghana Agenda.
He called on Ghanaians to translate the values of patriotism, self-reliance and national unity into practical contributions to Ghana’s development.
“Let us draw strength from Osagyefo’s vision and contribute in our own way to attaining the Resetting Ghana Agenda,” the President said.
He also urged citizens to rise above political and social divisions, embrace what he described as selfless patriotism, and work towards economic freedom and social justice.
The call comes against the backdrop of broader discussions in Ghana about how the country can strengthen its productive capacity, create opportunities and reduce vulnerabilities in the economy.
The Presidency has previously linked the Resetting Ghana Agenda to efforts to strengthen national productive capacity, industrialisation and economic transformation. In earlier statements, President Mahama has also connected his broader Accra Reset initiative to African self-reliance and stronger partnerships across the continent.
While the Founder’s Day message focused on Nkrumah’s historical legacy, the President used the occasion to frame nation-building as a responsibility shared across generations.
Dr Nkrumah’s legacy remains a subject of public discussion in Ghana, particularly around independence, industrialisation, Pan-Africanism, education and the role of the state in national development.
His contribution and political record have also been the subject of extensive historical and political debate over the decades.
President Mahama’s message focused on the ideals he believes remain relevant to Ghana’s present circumstances, particularly the principles of national self-determination, unity and economic independence.
The President concluded his message by reiterating the need for contemporary Ghanaians to build on the foundations established during the independence era.
His appeal comes as the country continues to confront the long-term task of strengthening its economy, institutions and social systems while creating opportunities for future generations.
For Ghanaians observing Founder’s Day, the commemoration therefore carries both a historical and forward-looking dimension: honouring the individuals and movements that contributed to independence while considering what is required to advance the country’s development today. Newscard
President Mahama said the responsibility now rests with the present generation to contribute to the construction of a Ghana that is prosperous, equitable and resilient.