President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to uphold integrity and accountability as the nation celebrates its 69th Independence Day.

Delivering his address at the Ghana@69 Independence Day celebration on March 6, he likened corruption to a classroom robbed of textbooks, emphasising the far-reaching consequences of public sector misconduct.

“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation. Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom that is robbed of textbooks. It represents a hospital that will go without medicine. It represents a road that will be left uncompleted. And it represents a young graduate who will be denied opportunity,” President Mahama stated.

The President stressed that his administration is taking decisive action against corruption, not merely through rhetoric but with institutional reforms. “Under my leadership, we're not just fighting corruption with words alone. We're strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or party, is above the law,” he said.

President Mahama further underscored that combating corruption is a shared responsibility.

“But government cannot win this battle alone. We must foster a national culture of integrity, where honesty is valued, and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he added.

Highlighting the broader responsibilities that come with independence, the President urged citizens to exercise discipline in public life. “Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility.

We need to reestablish discipline in our national life — discipline in how we manage public resources, discipline in adhering to the law, and discipline in how we treat one another,” he said.

He called on all Ghanaians to demonstrate true patriotism through everyday actions: protecting public property, treating fellow citizens with respect, and investing in the country’s future.

“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests,” President Mahama emphasised.