President John Dramani Mahama has attributed Ghana’s persistent economic struggles to the 1966 overthrow of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, describing it as a major setback that derailed the country’s industrialisation and self-sufficiency ambitions.
Speaking at Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration on Thursday, March 6, 2025, President Mahama noted that the coup ushered in decades of instability, stalling efforts to build a resilient and self-reliant 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 stated.
Referencing declassified U.S. government documents, Mahama reiterated that Western powers, particularly the CIA, played a role in Nkrumah’s ousting, aiming to halt his economic and Pan-African agenda.
The President lamented that the coup marked the beginning of Ghana’s increasing dependence on foreign aid and policies that sidelined local industries.
He urged Ghanaians to reflect on the nation’s journey, stressing that independence should be more than a historical event—it should serve as a catalyst for economic progress.
Mahama called for bold leadership and strategic policies to break the cycle of external dependence and missed opportunities, assuring that his administration remains committed to fostering local production, economic expansion, and self-sufficiency.
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