In a poignant appeal, President John Dramani Mahama used Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration to call for an end to the protracted conflict in Bawku.
As the nation marked its independence, President Mahama’s words served as a stark reminder that true freedom can only be achieved when all citizens live in peace and harmony.
“To the people of Bawku and other affected areas, it is time for lasting peace to prevail,” he emphasized.
The President’s message was one of hope and renewal, urging the people of Bawku to seize the opportunity to forge a new path, one that prioritizes understanding, tolerance, and cooperation.
He envisioned a future where children can inherit a peaceful land, “where their minds are nurtured, not where their nightmares are relived.”
President Mahama painted a vivid picture of a thriving community, where “our markets flourish with trade, not tension and conflict” and “schools that echo with learning, not sorrow.”
He acknowledged the deep-seated divisions and mistrust that have fueled the conflict, but urged the people to rise above their differences.
“Let us not be swayed by division, distrust, and the burdens of the past,” he said. “Let us give renewal of friendship a chance; let us give peace a chance. This is not an invitation to simply forget the past—far from it. It is an invitation to rise above it.”
As Ghana moves forward, President Mahama’s Independence Day address will be remembered as a powerful call to action, inspiring a new era of peace and prosperity for all.