President John Dramani Mahama has attributed Ghana’s enduring economic challenges to the 1966 overthrow of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, calling it a pivotal setback that derailed the nation’s industrialisation and self-reliance ambitions.
Speaking at Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration, Mahama argued that the coup introduced decades of instability, halting progress toward a resilient, self-sustaining economy.
“Nkrumah had a vision of an industrialised Ghana, where prosperity was rooted in patriotism and Pan-African unity. But on February 24, 1966, that vision was abruptly destroyed, setting our nation back by decades,” he said.
Referencing declassified U.S. government documents, Mahama reiterated claims that the CIA orchestrated Nkrumah’s ousting to thwart his economic and Pan-African agenda.
He noted that the coup marked the start of Ghana’s dependency on foreign aid and policies that marginalized local industries.
The President urged Ghanaians to see independence not just as a historical milestone but as a call to economic progress.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to promoting local production, economic growth, and self-sufficiency through strategic policies and bold leadership.
